A small rounded cap worn by Jewish males, especially during prayer and religious ceremonies.
From Yiddish 'yarmulke,' which likely comes from Polish 'jarmułka' meaning cap, though some scholars suggest it derives from Aramaic 'yarei malka' meaning 'fear of the King' (referring to God). The word entered English through Eastern European Jewish communities who immigrated to America. The Hebrew term 'kippah' (meaning dome or covering) is increasingly used instead, but 'yarmulke' remains the more familiar English term.
This Jewish skullcap's name might literally mean 'fear of the King' in ancient Aramaic, referring to maintaining reverence for God by keeping one's head covered. It's a beautiful example of how a simple piece of cloth carries profound spiritual meaning about humility and divine awareness.
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