A brief description on kippot

Yarmulke - The skullcap worn by Jews during services, and by some Jews at all times. May derive from Aramaic “Yirei Malka” The most commonly known and recognized piece of Jewish garb is actually the one with the least religious significance the kippot. It is an ancient practice for Jews to cover their heads with kippot during prayer. This probably derives the fact that in Eastern cultures, it is a sign of respect to cover the head (the custom in Western cultures is the opposite: it is a sign of respect to remove one’s hat). Thus, by covering the head during prayer, one respected for God. In addition, in ancient Rome, servants were required to cover their heads while free men did not; thus, Jews covered their heads with a kippah to show that they were servants of God. In medieval times, Jews covered their heads as a reminder that God is always above them. Covering the head with a kippah is a custom rather than a commandment.