Abstract
Scholars have puzzled over how to interpret the woman's fear of becoming "like one wrapped" in Cant 1,7. This article suggests that previous attempts to find a solution in textual variants, in Arabic cognates, or in the Judah/Tamar story do not lead in the right direction and that an explanation for the woman's fear can be sought in ancient Near Eastern wedding rituals that entail a veiling ceremony. She fears marrying a man other than her chosen lover.