Yarmulkes: Origin, Traditions & Etymology
Traditionally the yarmulke was worn only by men (women covered their heads more completely with scarves, hats, or wigs), but in modern times the push for equality between the sexes in the practice of Judaism has led some women to wear yarmulkes, although this is not the practice of Orthodox Judaism. Some Jews only wear yarmulke while praying, making blessings, or studying Jewish religious texts; more traditional Jews wear yarmulke the entire day, making sure not to walk more than four cubits without a head covering (especially outside).
Often, the color and fabric of the yarmulke can be a sign of adherence to a specific religious movement. The Israeli Religious Zionist community is often referred to by the name kippot srugot כיפות סרוגות, literally "woven kippot", though they are typically crocheted. Similarly, some Haredi sects are referred to by the name kipot shkhorot כיפות שחורות, literally "black kippot"; their yamakas are usually sewn of black fabric, often larger than kipot srugot.
There are different proposed etymologies for the word yarmulke (yamaka). According to most mainstream etymologists, it is a Yiddish word (Yiddish: יאַרמולקע yarmulke) deriving from the Polish word jarmułka, meaning "cap", ultimately possibly of Turkish origin. A folk etymology proposes that it is derived from an Aramaic phrase, yarei malka, meaning "fear of the King [i.e. God],"or from the Hebrew, ya'arei me'Elokai, "those who tremble before the Lord."
The Hebrew-language equivalent, kippah actually means "dome", same as Arabic qubbah (قبة). The Gothic word kappel (cf. chapel) still exists in the Yiddish term (קאַפל kapl) today and survives as kappl (cap, hat) in several South German dialects. The equivalent of the Hebrew word is the French calotte and the Italian calotta, both referring to an architectural dome.
According to the Shulchan Arukh, Jewish men are required to cover their heads and should not walk more than four cubits without a hat. Wearing a kippah is described as "honoring God". The Mishnah Berurah modifies this ruling, adding that the Achronim established it as a requirement to wear a head covering even when traversing less than four cubits, and even when one is simply standing in place. This applied both indoors as well as out.This ruling is echoed by the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, a concise version of the Shulchan Aruch authored by Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried. He cites a story from the Talmud (Shabbat 156b) about Rav Nachman bar Yitzchok who might have become a thief had his mother not saved him from this fate by insisting that he cover his head, which instilled in him the fear of God.In many communities, boys are encouraged to wear a kippah from a young age in order to ingrain the habit.
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