The Veil: A Shared Symbol of Arab Identity

At the Arab American Mental Health Association (AAMHA), we believe that healing and belonging begin with cultural recognition. Part of that recognition involves honoring symbols that speak to the collective identity of Arabs across faiths, traditions, and histories. One such symbol is the veil.

When most people hear the word veil, they may immediately associate it with the Muslim headscarf. But in reality, the veil is a much older and broader cultural tradition, carried across generations of both Christian and Muslim Arabs. It has been worn in different forms throughout the Middle East and North Africa, in churches and mosques, during weddings and funerals, and as part of daily dress.

In Arab Christianity, the veil has long been part of women’s religious and cultural practice, especially in church and during moments of prayer. Similarly, in Arab Islam, the veil and its many styles, from hijab to khimar to more localized forms, carry deep spiritual, cultural, and personal meaning. Beyond religion, the veil also holds symbolic significance in Arab folklore, poetry, and art, often representing dignity, modesty, identity, and resilience.

For this reason, we made the intentional decision to change our logo. Our previous design featured a woman in a headscarf, which, while representative of many Arab women, did not capture the full breadth of Arab identity. By shifting to the veil as a symbol, we are recognizing its significance as a unifying cultural marker for Arabs of all faiths.

The veil is more than fabric. It is a reminder of our shared heritage. It tells the story of grandmothers who covered their heads before entering church, of mothers who wrapped scarves around their faces to protect against the desert wind, of daughters who carry forward the traditions of their families in ways that feel meaningful to them. It connects us across religions, regions, and generations.

At AAMHA, we are committed to reflecting the diversity and unity of the Arab American community in everything we do, including our logo. By embracing the veil as a symbol of all Arabs, we are honoring the richness of our cultural heritage and reaffirming that mental health must always be approached with cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.

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