# Religious habit > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Religious_habit > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Religious_habit.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_habit > Source revision: 1356166216 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Distinctive clothing worn by members of a religious order}} {{More citations needed|date=February 2021}} [[Image:StAnthony.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|St. [Anthony the Great](/source/Anthony_the_Great), wearing the habit of a [Coptic](/source/Coptic_Orthodox_Church_of_Alexandria) monk]] {{Western dress codes|supplementary}} A '''religious habit''' is a distinctive set of [clothing](/source/clothing) worn by members of a [religious order](/source/religious_order). Traditionally, some plain garb recognizable as a religious habit has also been worn by those leading the religious [eremitic](/source/Hermit) and [anchoritic](/source/Anchorite) life, although in their case without conformity to a particular uniform style. Uniformity and distinctiveness by order often evolved and changed over time. Interpretation of terms for clothes in religious rules could change over centuries. Furthermore, every time new communities gained importance in a cultural area the need for visual separation increased for new as well as old communities. Thus, modern habits are rooted in historic forms, but do not necessarily resemble them in cut, color, material, detail or use. In [Christian monastic](/source/Christian_monasticism) orders of the [Catholic](/source/Catholic_church), [Lutheran](/source/Lutheranism) and [Anglican](/source/Anglicanism) Churches, the habit often consists of a [tunic](/source/tunic) covered by a [scapular](/source/scapular) and [cowl](/source/cowl), with a hood for [monk](/source/monk)s or [friar](/source/friar)s and a [veil](/source/veil) for [nun](/source/nun)s; in apostolic orders it may be a distinctive form of [cassock](/source/cassock) for men, or a distinctive habit and veil for women. Catholic [Canon Law](/source/Canon_Law) requires only that the garb of their members be in some way identifiable so that the person may serve as a witness of the [Evangelical counsels](/source/Evangelical_counsels). In many orders, the conclusion of [postulancy](/source/postulant) and the beginning of the [novitiate](/source/novitiate) is marked by a ceremony, in which the new novice is accepted as a novice and then clothed in the community's habit by the [superior](/source/General_superior). In some cases the novice's habit will be somewhat different from the customary habit: for instance, in certain orders of women that use the [veil](/source/veil), it is common for novices to wear a white veil while professed members wear black, or if the order generally wears white, the novice wears a grey veil. Among some [Franciscan](/source/Franciscan) communities of men, novices wear a sort of overshirt over their tunic; [Carthusian](/source/Carthusian) novices wear a black cloak over their white habit. ==Buddhism== [[Image:Central Asian Buddhist Monks.jpeg|thumb|upright|Monks from [Central Asia](/source/Central_Asia) and [China](/source/China) wearing traditional kāṣāya; [Bezeklik](/source/Bezeklik), Eastern [Tarim Basin](/source/Tarim_Basin), China, 9th–10th century]] '''Kāṣāya''' ({{Langx|sa|काषाय|translit=kāṣāya}}; [Pali](/source/Pali): kasāva; {{CJKV|t=袈裟|s=袈裟|p=jiāshā|cj=gaa1saa1|j=袈裟|k=袈裟 가사|v=cà-sa|r=kesa|rr=gasa}}), "chougu" ([Tibetan](/source/Standard_Tibetan)) are the robes of [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism) [monks](/source/Bhikkhu) and [nuns](/source/Bhikkhuni), named after a brown or saffron dye. In Sanskrit and Pali, these robes are also given the more general term ''cīvara'', which references the robes without regard to color. ===Origin and construction=== [[Image:Gandhara Buddha (tnm).jpeg|thumb|upright|An early representation of the [Buddha](/source/Gautama_Buddha) wearing kāṣāya robes, in the [Hellenistic](/source/Hellenistic) style]] Buddhist kāṣāya are said to have originated in [India](/source/India) as set of robes for the devotees of [Gautama Buddha](/source/Gautama_Buddha). A notable variant has a pattern reminiscent of an Asian rice field. Original kāṣāya were constructed of discarded [fabric](/source/textile). These were stitched together to form three rectangular pieces of cloth, which were then fitted over the body in a specific manner. The three main pieces of cloth are the ''antarvāsa'', the ''uttarāsaṅga'', and the ''{{IAST|saṃghāti}}''.{{sfn|Kieschnick|2003| page=90}} Together they form the "triple robe", or ''tricīvara''. The tricīvara is described more fully in the [Theravāda](/source/Therav%C4%81da) [Vinaya](/source/Vinaya) (Vin 1:94 289). ====Uttarāsaṅga==== A robe covering the upper body. It is worn over the undergarment, or antarvāsa. In representations of the Buddha, the uttarāsaṅga rarely appears as the uppermost garment, since it is often covered by the outer robe, or saṃghāti. ====Saṃghāti==== The saṃghāti is an outer robe used for various occasions. It comes over the upper robe (''{{IAST|uttarāsaṅga}}''), and the undergarment (''antarvāsa''). In representations of the Buddha, the saṃghāti is usually the most visible garment, with the undergarment or uttarāsaṅga protruding at the bottom. It is quite similar in shape to the Greek [himation](/source/himation), and its shape and folds have been treated in Greek style in the [Greco-Buddhist art](/source/Greco-Buddhist_art) of [Gandhāra](/source/Gandh%C4%81ra). ====Additions==== Other items that may have been worn with the triple robe were: * a waist cloth, the kushalaka * a buckled belt, the samakaksika [[Image:Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita Victory Over Mara.jpeg|thumb|right|Indian depiction of the Buddha wearing red robes; Sanskrit manuscript, [Nālandā](/source/N%C4%81land%C4%81), [Bihar](/source/Bihar), India, Pāla period]] ===Kāṣāya in Indian Buddhism=== In India, variations of the [kāṣāya](/source/Kasaya_(clothing)) robe distinguished different types of monastics. These represented the different schools that they belonged to, and their robes ranged widely from red and ochre, to blue and black.{{sfn|Kieschnick|2003| page=89}} Between 148 and 170 CE, the [Parthia](/source/Parthia)n monk [An Shigao](/source/An_Shigao) came to China and translated a work which describes the color of monastic robes utilized in five major Indian Buddhist sects, called ''Dà Bǐqiū Sānqiān Wēiyí'' (Ch. {{Lang|zh|大比丘三千威儀}}).{{sfn|Hino|2004|page = 55}} Another text translated at a later date, the ''Śariputraparipṛcchā'', contains a very similar passage corroborating this information, but the colors for the Sarvāstivāda and Dharmaguptaka sects are reversed.{{sfn|Hino|2004|pages = 55-56}}{{sfn| Sujato | 2012 |page = i}} {| class="wikitable" |- ! Nikāya ! ''Dà Bǐqiū Sānqiān Wēiyí'' ! ''Śariputraparipṛcchā'' |- | [Sarvāstivāda](/source/Sarvastivada) || Deep Red || Black |- | [Dharmaguptaka](/source/Dharmaguptaka) || Black || Deep Red |- | [Mahāsāṃghika](/source/Mahasamghika) || Yellow || Yellow |- | [Mahīśāsaka](/source/Mahisasaka) || Blue || Blue |- | [Kaśyapīya](/source/Kasyapiya) || Magnolia || Magnolia |} In traditions of [Tibetan Buddhism](/source/Tibetan_Buddhism), which follow the Mūlasarvāstivāda Vinaya, red robes are regarded as characteristic of the Mūlasarvāstivādins.{{sfn| Mohr | Tsedroen |2010| page=266}} According to Dudjom Rinpoche from the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, the robes of fully ordained Mahāsāṃghika monastics were to be sewn out of more than seven sections, but no more than twenty-three sections.{{sfn| Rinpoche | 1999 | page=16}} The symbols sewn on the robes were the [endless knot](/source/endless_knot) (Skt. {{Transliteration|sa|śrīvatsa}}) and the conch shell (Skt. ''śaṅkha''), two of the [Eight Auspicious Signs](/source/Ashtamangala) in Buddhism.{{sfn| Rinpoche | 1999 | page=16}} ===Jiāshā in Chinese Buddhism=== In [Chinese Buddhism](/source/Chinese_Buddhism), the kāṣāya is called ''gāsā'' (Ch. {{Lang|zh|袈裟}}). During the early period of [Chinese Buddhism](/source/Chinese_Buddhism), the most common color was red. Later, the color of the robes came to serve as a way to distinguish monastics, just as they did in India. However, the colors of a Chinese Buddhist monastic's robes often corresponded to their geographical region rather than to any specific schools.{{sfn|Kieschnick|2003| page=89}} By the maturation of Chinese Buddhism, only the Dharmaguptaka ordination lineage was still in use, and therefore the color of robes served no useful purpose as a designation for sects, the way that it had in India. ==={{lang|ja-Latn|Kesa}} in Japanese Buddhism=== [[File:JapaneseKesaofMabury.jpg|thumb|Japanese Buddhist priest's mantle ({{lang|ja-Latn|kesa}}), 1775–1825, [LACMA](/source/LACMA) textile collections]] In [Japanese Buddhism](/source/Japanese_Buddhism), the {{lang|sa-Latn|kāṣāya}} is known as the {{nihongo|''kesa''|袈裟}}. In Japan, during the [Edo](/source/Edo_period) and [Meiji period](/source/Meiji_period)s, {{lang|ja-Latn|kesa}} were sometimes pieced together from the theatrical [kimono](/source/kimono) used in [Noh theatre](/source/Noh_theatre). ==Christianity== thumb|left|Religious clothing includes habits ===Catholicism=== [Pope John Paul II](/source/Pope_John_Paul_II) in his post-apostolic Exhortation {{lang|la|Vita consecrata}} (1996) says concerning the religious habit of [consecrated](/source/Consecrated_life) persons: {{blockquote|§25{{nbsp}}[...] The Church must always seek to make her presence visible in everyday life, especially in contemporary culture, which is often very secularized and yet sensitive to the language of signs. In this regard the Church has a right to expect a significant contribution from consecrated persons, called as they are in every situation to bear clear witness that they belong to Christ. Since the habit is a sign of consecration, poverty and membership in a particular Religious family, I join the Fathers of the Synod in strongly recommending to men and women religious that they wear their proper habit, suitably adapted to the conditions of time and place. Where valid reasons of their apostolate call for it, Religious, in conformity with the norms of their Institute, may also dress in a simple and modest manner, with an appropriate symbol, in such a way that their consecration is recognizable. Institutes which from their origin or by provision of their Constitutions do not have a specific habit should ensure that the dress of their members corresponds in dignity and simplicity to the nature of their vocation.}} ====Nuns==== [[File:Klaryska.JPG|thumb|A nun of the [Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration](/source/Poor_Clares_of_Perpetual_Adoration) in her cloister]] thumb|Traditional Catholic nuns The religious habits of Catholic nuns typically consist of the following elements: * '''Tunic''': This is the central piece of the habit. It is a loose dress made of [serge](/source/serge_(fabric)) fabric pleated at the neck and draping to the ground. It can be worn pinned up in the front or in the back to allow the nun to work. * '''[Scapular](/source/Scapular)''': This symbolic apron hangs from both front and back; it is worn over the tunic, and [Benedictine](/source/Benedictine) nuns also wear it over the belt, whereas some other orders wear it tied under the belt. * '''Cincture''': The habit is often secured around the waist with a belt of leather, wool or a lanyard. The cincture of the Franciscan orders has three (or four) knots standing for the vows. * '''[Coif](/source/Coif)''': This is the garment's headpiece and includes the white cotton cap secured by a [bandeau](/source/bandeau) and a white [wimple](/source/wimple) (to cover the neck and cheeks) and [guimpe](/source/guimpe) (to cover the chest, similar to a short cape) of starched linen, cotton, or (today) polyester. It is sometimes covered by a thin layer of black [crêpe](/source/Cr%C3%AApe_(textile)). * '''[Veil](/source/Veil)''': This element is worn pinned over the coif head coverings. Some veils can be worn down to cover the face or up to expose it. The veil sometimes includes a white underveil as well. The colour of the veil depends as well from the habit of the order and the status of the sister or nun (novices or postulants wear differently coloured veils than the professed sisters and nuns). Different orders adhere to different styles of dress; these styles have changed over time. ====Sisters==== thumb|Sisters of the Daughters of Mary in traditional habit [[File:Missionaries of Charity in Haiti.jpg|thumb|[Missionaries of Charity](/source/Missionaries_of_Charity) sisters in Haiti, wearing the order's traditional white sari with blue stripes]] {{expand section|date=February 2021}} Historically, the religious habit of [Catholic sisters](/source/Religious_sister) was a visible sign of a woman's consecration to God.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-09 |title=Why do nuns (and monks) wear habits? |url=https://aleteia.org/2020/07/09/why-do-nuns-and-others-in-religious-life-wear-habits/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Aleteia — Catholic Spirituality, Lifestyle, World News, and Culture |language=en}} Different orders adhere to different styles of dress; these styles have changed over time. For example, in former times, the [Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul](/source/Daughters_of_Charity_of_Saint_Vincent_de_Paul) wore a [cornette](/source/cornette) instead of a veil. Due to the ecclesiastical document {{lang|la|[Perfectae caritatis](/source/Perfectae_caritatis)}}, many congregations decided to simplify their habits, to conform to the attire of the culture they are working in, or to even discard their use entirely. While styles vary, for those wearing the traditional habit, three pieces are consistently worn: tunic (robe), belt/cincture, veil. The habit of some [Dominican Sisters](/source/Dominican_Sisters) consists of a tunic, belt (cincture), scapular, veil, rosary, and on formal occasions a cappa (mantle).{{Cite web |title=Our Religious Habit |url=https://houstondominicans.org/our-religious-habit |access-date=2021-02-08 |website=Dominican Sisters |language=en}} Even for orders that have chosen not to wear a habit, these sisters often share a common appearance: calf-length skirt, blouse or sweater, visible cross necklace. ====Monks==== thumb|Carthusian monks of the Chartreuse de Portes Monks in the Catholic church wear a tunic, a [cincture](/source/cincture), a hooded scapular, and, for the [Liturgy of the Hours](/source/Liturgy_of_the_Hours), a [mantle](/source/Mantle_(monastic_vesture)) (novices) or a [cowl](/source/cowl) (professed monks).{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} ====Friars==== {{expand section|date=February 2021}} ====Canons regular==== {{expand section|date=February 2021}} Owing to the different traditions and origins that exist, there is no singular common habit worn by the [Canons Regular](/source/Canons_Regular). Historically the common habit was the distinctive white cassock, with white fascia, over time some communities of Canons have changed to wearing the black cassock with black fascia. The only item of the habit that is common to all Canons is the linen [rochet](/source/rochet) a mark of the canonical status. In the Netherlands, some wore a ''cacullae'' (a small asymmetrical black [cope](/source/cope) of cloth or sheepskin.) Some communities of canons, notably in Austria and Switzerland wear a sarotium, coming from the Latin {{lang|la|sacrum rochettum}}, 'the sacred rochet'. It is a thin band of linen worn over the cassock when not in choir. As part of their choir dress, some communities of Canons wear a mozzetta, either black or purple over the rochet. Outdoors, Canons wear a black cloak and hood, but again adaptations have been made to this in some of the communities. Canons also traditionally wore a [biretta](/source/biretta). ====Religious brothers==== [Religious brother](/source/Religious_brother)s wear habits according to the religious institute to which they belong. Some distinctions between religious brothers' habits and those of ordained members of the same institute were removed after the [Second Vatican Council](/source/Second_Vatican_Council), in response to the Council's appeal that "all the members be more closely knit by the bond of brotherly love", and therefore "those who are called lay-brothers, assistants, or some similar name should be drawn closely in to the life and work of the community".Second Vatican Council, [https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651028_perfectae-caritatis_en.html Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life], section 15, published on 28 October 1965, accessed on 19 February 2026Lescher, B. H., [https://www.jstor.org/stable/43248600 Brothers in the Church Today: Probing the Silence], ''[New Blackfriars](/source/New_Blackfriars)'', October 1990, Volume 71, No. 842, pp. 445-45, accessed on 19 February 2026 ====Clergy==== {{expand section|date=March 2017}} Usually, [secular priests](/source/Secular_clergy) wear either a black [cassock](/source/cassock) or an ordinary men's garb in black or another dark color along with a white [clerical collar](/source/clerical_collar). White cassocks or clothes may be worn in hot climates. Also, a ferraiolo (a kind of cope) could be worn along with the cassock. Priests also traditionally wore a [biretta](/source/biretta) along with the cassock. Deacons, priests, and bishops belonging to [religious institute](/source/religious_institute)s wear the habit of their institute. ====Abbot or cardinal==== {{main|Pontifical vestments}} [Latin Church](/source/Latin_Church) clergy other than bishops, in particular any who are [abbot](/source/abbot)s or [apostolic prefect](/source/apostolic_prefect)s or ordinary of a personal ordinariate, may wear pontifical items. Mitre, crosier and ring are bestowed on an abbot at his blessing and the pectoral cross is a customary part of an abbatial habit.{{cn|date=May 2022}} ====Catholic habits gallery==== File:Nun and novice discalced carmelites in Porto Alegre Brazil 20101129.jpeg|The religious habit of the [Carmelite Order](/source/Carmelites) is brown and includes the [Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel](/source/Scapular_of_Our_Lady_of_Mount_Carmel) (also known as Brown Scapular). File:Francisco de Zurbarán 041.jpg|The religious habit of the [Hieronymite enclosed monks and nuns](/source/Hieronymites) is white and includes a brown scapular. File:Maria Droste zu Vischering.jpg|The religious habit of the [Sisters of the Good Shepherd](/source/Congregation_of_Our_Lady_of_Charity_of_the_Good_Shepherd) (and also of the Sisters from the Order of Our Lady of Charity) is white, with a white scapular, a black veil and a large silver heart on the breast. File:Mary of Jesus d'Oultremont.jpg|The religious habit of the [Sisters of Mary Reparatrix](/source/Sisters_of_Mary_Reparatrix) is white, with a blue scapular, a white and blue veil and a large golden heart on the breast. File:Pater Pax.jpg|The religious habit of the [Franciscan](/source/Franciscan) Order of [Friars Minor](/source/Friars_Minor) and Friars Minor [Capuchin](/source/Order_of_Friars_Minor_Capuchin) is usually brown or gray; the habit of the [Order of Friars Minor Conventual](/source/Conventual_Franciscans) and Third Order Regular is black, although the Order of Friars Minor Conventual is returning to the grey habit worldwide. File:Kovelklein.JPG|The religious habit of the [Benedictines](/source/Benedictines) is black (the style varies depending upon the monastery). File:Nicolas Mignard 001.jpg|The religious habit of the [Carthusians](/source/Carthusians) is white. A similar habit is used by the [Monastic Family of Bethlehem, of the Assumption of the Virgin and of Saint Bruno](/source/Monastic_Family_of_Bethlehem%2C_of_the_Assumption_of_the_Virgin_and_of_Saint_Bruno). File:FrColl2.jpg|The religious habit of the [Dominicans](/source/Dominican_Order) is black and white. File:Cistersian priests in Szczyrzyc monastery.JPG|[Cistercians](/source/Cistercians) in their religious habit (with the black [scapular](/source/scapular)). File:Poor Clares sister.jpg|The religious habit of the [Clarisses](/source/Clarisses) (also known as [Poor Clares](/source/Poor_Clares)) is brown, with a black veil. File:St. Jeanne de Valois.jpg|The religious habit of the [Sisters of the Annunciation](/source/Order_of_the_Annunciation_of_the_Blessed_Virgin_Mary) is white, with a red scapular and a black veil. File:Sisters of Charity.jpg|The religious habit (based on the Indian [sari](/source/sari)) of the [Missionaries of Charity](/source/Missionaries_of_Charity), founded by [Mother Teresa of Calcutta](/source/Mother_Teresa) File:Jean de Matha Ordre de la Sainte Trinité.jpg|The religious habit of the [Trinitarian Order](/source/Trinitarian_Order) is white with a distinctive cross with a blue horizontal bar and a red vertical bar. File:Sister of the Incarnate Word.png|The religious habit of the [Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament](/source/Order_of_the_Incarnate_Word_and_Blessed_Sacrament) is white, with a red scapular and a black veil. File:Perreyve, Henri.jpg|[Oratorians](/source/Oratory_of_Jesus) wear roughly the same vestments as [parish priests](/source/priest). The distinctive Oratorian clerical collar consists of white cloth that folds over the collar all around the neck. File:Armand Gautier Nuns.gif|Sisters belonging to the [Daughters of Charity](/source/Daughters_of_Charity_of_Saint_Vincent_de_Paul) with the cornette which used to be common File:Trappist praying 2007-08-20 dti.jpg|Religious habit of a [Trappist](/source/Trappists) monk File:Rüti - Ortsmuseum - Kloster - Prämostratenser-Habit IMG 5172.JPG|Religious habit of a [Premonstratensian](/source/Premonstratensian) canon File:Pius Przeździecki 1-R-613.jpg|[Pauline](/source/Order_of_Saint_Paul_the_First_Hermit) Pius Przeździecki File:Francisco de Zurbarán - Fray Pedro Machado - Google Art Project.jpg|The [Mercedarians](/source/Mercedarian_Order) wear white. File:Giambattista Tiepolo - Estasi di San Francesco di Paola - Museo Paradiso - Piove di Sacco.jpg|The religious habit of a [Minims](/source/Minims_(religious_order)) friar. It consists of a black tunic, a scapular with a capuche and a black cincture with four knots (four vows). ===Evangelical Lutheranism=== {{multiple image | direction = vertical | width = | image1 = Alsike Kyrka 2023 funeral of sister Marianne Nordlund.png | image2 = Syster Marianne170606 2.jpg | footer = Evangelical-Lutheran nuns of the [Order of the Holy Spirit](/source/Sisters_of_the_Holy_Spirit_at_Alsike_Convent) wear a grey habit with a dove [lapel pin](/source/lapel_pin) (the nuns are standing in the rear of this procession at [Alsike Church](/source/Alsike_Church)).{{cite web |last1=Sätterman |first1=Joakim |title=Vart jag mig i världen vänder: Alsike Monastic Villag |url=https://publications.lib.chalmers.se/records/fulltext/240666/240666.pdf |publisher=Chalmers Architecture |access-date=19 October 2025 |page=17 |date=2016}} }} In [Evangelical Lutheranism](/source/Lutheranism), various [religious order](/source/religious_order)s have a habit of a different colour. For example: *the [Daughters of Mary](/source/Daughters_of_Mary_(Lutheran)) wear a blue habit.{{sfn| DuBois|2017| |page=90 }} *the [Sisters of the Holy Spirit at Alsike Convent](/source/Sisters_of_the_Holy_Spirit_at_Alsike_Convent) wear a grey habit with a [lapel pin](/source/lapel_pin) of a dove with cross. ===Anglicanism=== {{further|Anglican religious order}} ===Eastern Orthodoxy=== [[Image:megaloschema.svg|thumb|upright=0.9|The ''[Analavos](/source/Analavos)'', worn by Orthodox monks and nuns of the Great Schema]] The [Eastern Orthodox Church](/source/Eastern_Orthodox_Church) does not have distinct religious orders such as those in the Catholic Church. The habit ({{langx|el|Σχήμα|Schēma}}) is essentially the same throughout the world. The normal monastic color is black, symbolic of repentance and simplicity. The habits of monks and nuns are identical; additionally, nuns wear a scarf, called an [apostolnik](/source/apostolnik). The habit is bestowed in degrees, as the monk or nun advances in the spiritual life. There are three degrees: (1) the beginner, known as the '''Rassaphore''' ('robe bearer') (2) the intermediate, known as the '''Stavrophore''' ('cross bearer'), and (3) the '''Great Schema''' worn by Great Schema Monks or Nuns. Only the last, the Schemamonk or Schemanun, the monastic of the highest degree, wears the full habit. The habit is formally bestowed upon monks and nuns at the ceremony known as the [tonsure](/source/tonsure) (Greek {{lang|el|κουρά}}). The parts of the Eastern Orthodox habit are: * '''Inner Rason''' ([Greek](/source/Greek_language): {{lang|el|Έσώρασον}}, {{lang|el|Ζωστικὸν}} or {{langx|el|Ἀντερί|Esórason|label=none}}; [Slavonic](/source/church_Slavonic): {{lang|cu|Podryásnik}}): The [inner rason](/source/Cassock) (cassock) is the innermost garment. It is a long, collared garment coming to the feet, with narrow, tapered sleeves. Unlike the Roman cassock, it is double-breasted. The inner rason is the basic garment and is worn at all times, even when working. It is often given to [novice](/source/novice)s and [seminarian](/source/seminarian)s, though this differs from community to community. The inner rason is also worn by [chanter](/source/chanter)s, [readers](/source/Reader_(liturgy)), and the married clergy. For monks and nuns, it symbolizes the [vow](/source/Religious_vows) of [poverty](/source/Poverty). * '''Belt''' (Greek: {{langx|el|Ζώνη|Zone|label=none}}; Slavonic: {{lang|cu|Poyas}}): The belt worn by Orthodox monks and nuns is normally leather, though sometimes it is of cloth. In the Russian tradition, married clergy, as well as the higher monastic clergy, may wear a cloth belt that is finely [embroidered](/source/embroidery), especially on [feast days](/source/Great_Feasts). The belt is symbolic of the vow of [chastity](/source/chastity). * '''Paramand''' (Greek: {{langx|el|Παραμανδύας|Paramandýas|label=none}}; Slavonic: {{lang|cu|Paraman}}): The Paramand is a piece of cloth, approximately {{convert|5|in}} square which is attached by ribbons to a wooden cross. The cloth is embroidered with a cross and the [Instruments of the Passion](/source/Passion_(Christianity)). The wooden cross is worn over the chest, then the ribbons pass over and under the arms, like a [yoke](/source/yoke), and hold the square cloth centered on the back. The paramand is symbolic of the yoke of Christ (Matthew 11:29–30).{{bibleverse|Matthew|11:29–30}} * '''Outer Rason''' ({{a.k.a.|''riasa''}}, Greek: {{langx|el|εξώρασον|exorason|label=none}} or simply {{langx|el|ράσο|raso|label=none}}; Slavonic: {{lang|cu|ryasa}}): Among the Greeks it is worn by readers and all higher clerics; among the Russians it is worn only by monks, deacons, priests, and bishops. * '''[Analavos](/source/Analavos)''' (Greek: {{lang|el|Άνάλαβος}}; Slavonic: {{lang|cu|Analav}}): The distinctive dress of the Great Schema is the analavos, and it is worn only by Schemamonks and Schemanuns. Traditionally made of either leather or wool, the analavos covers the shoulders, and then comes down in the front and back, forming a cross (see illustration, above right). * '''Polystavrion''' (Greek: {{lang|el|Πολυσταύριον}}, lit. "many crosses"): The polystavrion is a long cord that has been plaited with numerous crosses forming a yoke that is worn over the analavos to hold it in place. * '''Mantle''' (Greek: {{langx|el|Μανδύας|Mandías|label=none}}; Slavonic: {{lang|cu|Mantíya}}): The [Mantle](/source/Mantle_(vesture)) is a long, full cape, joined at the neck which the monastic wears over the other parts of the habit. [[Image:Tikhon of Moscow.jpg|thumb|St. [Tikhon of Moscow](/source/Tikhon_of_Moscow) wearing the patriarchal white koukoulion]] * '''Kalymafki''' (a.k.a. ''[Kalimavkion](/source/Kalimavkion)'', Greek: {{lang|el|καλυμαύκι}}; Slavonic: {{lang|cu|klobuk}}): The distinctive [headdress](/source/headdress) of Eastern Orthodox monks and nuns is the kalymafki, a stiffened hat, something like a [fez](/source/Fez_(clothing)), only black and with straight sides, covered with a [veil](/source/veil). The veil has lappets which hang down on each side of the head and a stylized hood falling down the back. For monastics of the Great Schema, the kalymafki takes a very distinctive shape, known as a [koukoulion](/source/Cowl) (cowl), and is embroidered with the Instruments of the Passion. The koukoulion is also worn by the Patriarchs of several local churches, regardless of whether or not he has been tonsured to that degree. In the Slavic tradition, the koukoulion will be in the form of a cloth hood, similar to that worn on the Western cowl. Outside church, monastics wear a soft hat known as a [Skufia](/source/Skufia). Again, for Schemamonks and Schemanuns it is embroidered with the Instruments of the Passion. The portions of the habit worn by the various degrees of monastics is as follows: {| class="wikitable" |- ! Rasophore ! Stavrophore ! Great Schema |- | Inner Rason | Inner Rason | Inner Rason |- | Belt | Belt | Belt |- | | Paramand | Paramand |- | Outer Rason | Outer Rason | Outer Rason |- | | | Analavos |- | | Mantle (Russian use only) | Mantle |- | | | Polystavrion |- | Kalymafki | Kalymafki | Koukoulion |} ==== Eastern Orthodox habits gallery ==== File:Jan Sezonow.jpg|Inner Rason worn by [Polish Orthodox Church](/source/Polish_Orthodox_Church) cleric File:Dosifeya (Tarakanova).jpg File:Unknown Monk (Skhimnik) at the Mount Athos, 1850s.jpg|Monk at the Mount Athos, 1850s ==Hinduism== {{expand section|date=March 2017}} In Hinduism, religious clothing is a huge element of an individual’s life. {{citation needed|date=June 2024}} Most Hindus are known to wear a religious pendant in their daily life to show their faith in God. Hindu women cover their heads with scarf as a sign of respect for not only religion but also their husbands. {{citation needed|date=June 2024}} In India, most devoted Hindus are seen wearing a tilak and orange clothing depicting devotion to their religion. {{citation needed|date=June 2024}} Most Hindu [Pandits](/source/Pandit) are either seen in a white or orange (kesari) religious clothing in India. {{citation needed|date=June 2024}} Brahmin Hindus are most known for their devotion to the religion among all Hindus. They are seen wearing religious habits at various important moments in their life. {{citation needed|date=June 2024}} ==Islam== {{unreferenced section|date=April 2026}} {{see also|Islamic clothing}} ===Sunni in west asia=== Before the 19th century, religious clergy (colloquially known as [Mullah](/source/Mullah)) wore common clothes of their era with very small differences. later most [Sunni](/source/Sunni_Islam) mullahs in former territories of Ottoman empire started wearing long robes in black or other colours such as grey or blue, with a typical red [fez](/source/Fez_(hat)) and white [turban](/source/turban) which did not look as prominent as turbans of earlier eras. ===Sunni in central asia=== Sunni mullahs in central asia continued wearing their traditional clothing which resembled common clothing. In the case of ethnicities which did not wear turban as daily wear (such as [Turkmens](/source/Turkmens) and [Kazakhs](/source/Kazakhs)) the only difference of mullahs was wearing turbans which was in common with Sufi [derwishes](/source/Dervish). Turkmen mullahs in Iran continued wearing traditional Chakmen until the modern day, but new uniforms have been introduced in official [madrasahs](/source/Madrasa) which are cyan or grey robes with westernised designs and are tighter than shorter. Turbans have also been made smaller than before. however old generation mullahs still wear Chakmen over abwhite shirt rather the standardised uniforms. keeping a mustache was also more common in earlier times but modern mullahs either fully shave or trim the mustaches following [fundamentalist](/source/Islamic_fundamentalism) trends. ===Shia=== Meanwhile, clothing of [Shia](/source/Shia_Islam) mullahs was mainly based on common clothing of the [Qajar era](/source/Qajar_era) with a typical common robe called a [Qaba](/source/Qaba) which evolved from robes of Safavid and Mongol eras, and a large overcoat called Aba, which was sewn in a rectangle pattern without separate sleeves. [Seyyids](/source/Sayyid) wore black turbans. The same clothing has been preserved until present day and spread to shia scholars outside Iran who used to wear local clothing before 20th century; the pattern of the Qaba has been changed and slightly westernised with buttons added and sleeves sewn into the body rather than traditional straight sleeves. They also no longer use a sash, and caps are not worn under the turban. there has been also a newer design called Labbada with a round collar instead of Qaba. before the 20th century thr left side of Qaba covered the right side as it had originated from [Ilkhanate](/source/Ilkhanate), but from at least from second half of 20th century some Qaba and Labbada are produced in opposite manner. Mullahs used to have long preserved beards and usually shaved their head but after the [revolution](/source/Iranian_Revolution) the trend is trimmed short beard and typical short hairstyles. ==Jainism== [[File:Acharya Mahapragya.jpg|thumb|[Acharya Mahapragya](/source/Acharya_Mahapragya) wearing a [muhapati](/source/muhapati)]] Female ascetics and [Śvetāmbara](/source/%C5%9Avet%C4%81mbara) male monks always wear un-stitched or minimally stitched white clothes. [Digambara](/source/Digambara) Jain monks do not wear clothes. A loin cloth which reaches up to the shins is called a Cholapattak. Another cloth to cover the upper part of the body is called Pangarani (Uttariya Vastra). A cloth that passes over the left shoulder and covers the body up to a little above the ankle is called a Kïmli. Kïmli is a woolen shawl. They also carry a woolen bed sheet and a woolen mat to sit on. Those who wear clothes have a [muhapati](/source/muhapati), which is a square or rectangular piece of cloth of a prescribed measurement, either in their hand or tied on their face covering the mouth. Śvetāmbara ascetics have an Ogho or Rajoharan (a broom of woolen threads) to clean insects around their sitting place or while they are walking. Digambara ascetics have a Morpichhi and a Kamandal in their hands. This practice may vary among different sects of Jains but essential principle remains the same to limit needs. ==Shinto== [[File:Hihakama.JPG|thumb|[Miko](/source/Miko) wearing [hakama](/source/hakama)]] In Japan, various types of very traditional dress are worn by [Shinto](/source/Shinto) priests, often dating to styles worn by nobles during the [Nara period](/source/Nara_period) or [Heian period](/source/Heian_period). {{Nihongo|''[Hakama](/source/Hakama)''|袴}} are a type of traditional [Japanese clothing](/source/Japanese_clothing), originally worn only by men, but today they are worn by both sexes. There are two types, divided {{nihongo||馬乗り|umanori|"horse-riding ''hakama''"}} and undivided {{nihongo||行灯袴|andon bakama|"lantern ''hakama''"}}. The ''umanori'' type have divided legs, similar to [trousers](/source/trousers), but both types appear similar. ''Hakama'' are tied at the waist and fall approximately to the ankles, and are worn over a [kimono](/source/kimono) (hakamashita), with the kimono then appearing like a shirt. A {{Nihongo|''[Jōe](/source/J%C5%8De)''|浄衣}} is a garment worn in Japan by people attending religious ceremonies and activities, including Buddhist and Shinto related occasions. Not only [Shinto](/source/Shinto) and Buddhist priests can be found wearing Jōe at rituals, but laymen as well, for example when participating in pilgrimage such as the [Shikoku Pilgrimage](/source/Shikoku_Pilgrimage). The garment is usually white or yellow and is made of linen or silk depending on its kind and use. The Shinto priest who wears the {{Transliteration|ja|jōe}} is attired in a peaked [cap](/source/cap) called {{Transliteration|ja|tate-eboshi}}, an outer tunic called the {{Transliteration|ja|jōe}} proper, an outer robe called {{Transliteration|ja|jōe no sodegukuri no o}}, an undergarment called {{Transliteration|ja|hitoe}}, ballooning trousers called {{Transliteration|ja|sashinuki}} or {{Transliteration|ja|nubakama}}, and a girdle called {{Transliteration|ja|jōe no ate-obi}}. ==See also== * [Degrees of Eastern Orthodox monasticism](/source/Degrees_of_Eastern_Orthodox_monasticism) * [Religious dress](/source/Religious_dress) * [Tonsure](/source/Tonsure) * [Zucchetto](/source/Zucchetto) == References == {{Reflist|2}} ==Bibliography== *{{Cite book |last=DuBois |first=Thomas A. |title=Sacred to the Touch: Nordic and Baltic Religious Wood Carving |date=12 December 2017 |publisher=University of Washington Press |isbn=978-0-295-74242-7 |language=English}} *{{Cite book |last=Hino |first=Shoun |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RzX2oerL7BcC |title=Three Mountains and Seven Rivers |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. |year=2004 |isbn=978-81-208-2468-3}} *{{Cite book |last=Kieschnick|first=John |url=https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691096766/the-impact-of-buddhism-on-chinese-material-culture |title=The Impact of Buddhism on Chinese Material Culture |publisher=Princeton University Press |year=2003 |location=Oxfordshire}} *{{Cite book |last=Rinpoche |first=Dudjom |title=Perfect Conduct: Ascertaining the Three Vows |year=1999 |publisher=Wisdom Publications |isbn=978-0861710836}} *{{Cite book |last=Sujato |first=Bhante |author-link=Bhante Sujato |title=Sects & Sectarianism: The Origins of Buddhist Schools |publisher=Santipada |year=2012 |isbn=9781921842085}} *{{Cite book |title=Dignity and Discipline: Reviving Full Ordination for Buddhist Nuns |year=2010 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-0861715886 |editor-last=Mohr |editor-first=Thea |editor-last2=Tsedroen |editor-first2=Jampa}} ==Further reading== * {{Cite book |last=Dwyer-McNulty |first=Sally |url=https://uncpress.org/book/9781469642239/common-threads |title=Common Threads: A Cultural History of Clothing in American Catholicism |publisher=University of North Carolina Press |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-4696-1409-0 |location=Chapel Hill, NC}} == External links == {{Commonscat|Religious habits}} * [https://www.historyfish.net/monastics/monasticorders.html Images of medieval monks and nuns in the dress of their Orders] (Public Domain images and text) * [https://ecommons.udayton.edu/sisters/ Catholic Sisters International Collection, University of Dayton Special Collections] (photographs of reproductions of over 130 religious habits) {{RC consecrated life}} {{Lutheran orders}} {{Authority control}} Category:Asceticism Category:Byzantine clothing Category:Christian clothing Category:Eastern Christian vestments Category:Hesychasm Category:History of Western fashion Category:History of clothing Category:History of fashion Category:Lutheran orders and societies Category:Monasticism Category:Religious clothing Category:Religious practices Category:Robes and cloaks Category:Sacramentals --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Religious habit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_habit) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_habit?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.