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Jews, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs; what do they all have in common? Hair plays an important role in all of these religions. It is cared for in different ways, covered, hidden and displayed. Vital long hair as a sign of strength and fertility and the most beautiful "adornment" of the woman is the focus of this documentation. As early as the 12th century BC, reputable married woman covered themselves with a veil when leaving the house. The veil gave the women the freedom to walk the streets without being harassed. It was a symbol of their social rank, and was by no means a Muslim invention. Today, visible religious symbols in public are viewed with suspicion: women wearing headscarves, veiled women and men with turbans on the street are viewed with mistrust, and people fear they are facing a "radical Muslim". But even Christian nuns are no longer met outside the monastery with the sentiment that you would expect based on their station and history: respect.
A production for ORF, Commissioning Editor: Barbara Krenn
Broadcast date: Tuesday, January 13th, 2015, 11:05 p.m., ORF 2
Authors &directors: Thomas Grusch and Elizabeth Krimbacher
Duration: 40 min.
