Alsacienne Bow (La Coiffe or Noeud)

Consisting of a cap topped with an enormous bow, this style of headdress dates to the early 1800s, when it was worn by females in the region around Strasbourg to identify their religious affiliation. Protestant girls wore a plain black bow, while Catholics wore bows of red, plaid, or a floral design. The style disappeared after World War II and is now worn only for festivals or special occasions.