A cassock, also known as a soutane, is a long tunic traditionally worn by clergy in the Roman Catholic Church, but also in Anglican, Presbyterian, and Lutheran churches. It is generally black and can be trimmed in other colors, with a white clerical collar and a band around the waist. The colors of the cassock can denote rank within the clergy, and some churches outfit their choirs with cassocks in varying colors. The word “cassock” comes from the French word casaque, meaning “cloak.”
A cassock, which is also known as a soutane, is a garment traditionally worn by members of the clergy. It is a long tunic reaching to the ankles. Although it is a robe, it is snug and not baggy. Cassocks are commonly worn by clergy within the Roman Catholic Church. However, some clergy in Anglican, Presbyterian and Lutheran churches also wear cassocks.
It is possible to tell which church a cassock belongs to based on some minor differences in tailoring. Roman Catholic cassocks, for example, are often fitted with thirty-three buttons down the front, to symbolize the number of years in the life of Jesus. An Anglican cassock, which is often called a “sarum”, is often double-breasted. The Jesuit cassock often has a fly that is fastened with hooks instead of buttons.
The cassocks are generally black. However, they can be trimmed in other colors. Red and white are the most common colors used on the collar, cuffs, and closures of the garment. Cassocks are almost always worn with a white clerical collar. Garments also generally have a band, or “fascia,” around the waist. This band can be a uniform color with the rest of the garment, or it can be done in a finishing color. Additionally, the band may be accompanied by a sash worn around the waist.
The same color options for the band apply as the band. Some churches outfit their choirs with cassocks. These robes vary in color, but are often red, cream, or white. Today, some members of the clergy opt for non-traditional cassock colors. In some churches, the colors of the cassock denote rank within the clergy. White is an acceptable color for cassocks worn by clergy in tropical areas.
The word “cassock” probably comes from the word casaque, which means “cloak” in French. The cassock was once referred to as vestis talaris in Latin. In classical antiquity, the cassock was a kind of tunic worn under a toga. This original version of the garment was translated to meet changing requirements and styles to become the modern cassock.
The cassock was originally a kind of universal garment for members of the clergy. However, many churches and congregations have abandoned the cassock. For some, the abandonment of the cassock means the abandonment of other traditional elements of the church. For others, wearing a cassock means adhering to traditional ways.
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