Tina, I do not know the exact significance of the large black bow but the regional dress of the Alsace-Lorraine area has a large black bow that is worn in the girls/ladies hair. Basal, Switzerland is just down the road from Colmar, France and this official dress is seen there in touristy places even today. Especially along the Rue de Vin/French Wine Road. Hope this helps. Chris -----Original Message----- From: TVK [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 7:59 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [GERMAN-LIFE] Significance of a Black Bow in Hair Hi Germal Life list members, I have a very old photo from my gggrandfather who was from Basel, Switzerland. In this photo is wife has a big black "bow" on her head/hair. Can someone tell me what the significance of this bow is. Thanks. Tina Bodenweber Searching for: BODENWEBER, WEBER, (From Prussia/Northern Germany):GRZYWATZ, HÖPPNER