A clergy stole is a liturgical garment worn by Christian denominations and made of silk or other fabrics. It is typically decorated to indicate the wearer’s religion, honors, positions, or rank levels. Different colors are used to signify holidays or differentiate between ranks. The stole is worn with the center flat against the nape and the long ends covering the body. The stole has a history in the Roman Empire where similar stoles were worn to designate rank and honor.
In many races, professionals wear a distinctive garment, patch, or other piece of clothing to symbolize their credentials and standing within their field. On the religious spectrum, many professionals wear a liturgical garment called a clergy stole. Usually in the form of a flat scarf, a clergy stole is worn by members of Christian denominations, although the shawl may also be used by other religions.
A clergy stole is often made of silk, although it can also be created from cotton or other fabrics. It is normally seven and a half to nine feet (2.28 to 2.74 meters) long and three to four inches (7.62 to 10.16 centimeters) wide. The ends of the religious stole can be straight or flared to a wider width, depending on its type.
Clerics and women wear the stole with the center flat against the nape. This allows the long ends to cover the wearer’s body in a parallel fashion. These ends can be worn in front of the body, tied or tied together, or hanging loose from the sides of the body. Depending on the denomination, there may be other specific variations of how the stole may be worn.
Church stoles are typically decorated to indicate the religion of the wearer. They may also feature special designs, patches, or other embellishments to indicate any honors, positions, or rank levels the wearer may hold. Many Christian stoles feature a crisscross pattern somewhere in their design. Contrasting chevrons, or an ornamental trim, and fringes at the ends of the stole can also be used.
Different colors are also used for clergy stoles. Most signify various holidays, such as a white stole worn for Christmas services. However, some denominations also use separate colors to differentiate between ranks or degrees held.
Some denominations also use a sweat guard to protect robbed clergy. These are often made of lace or white linen. Rather than replace a stole damaged by a clergyman’s sweat, the collar generally offers a cheaper and easier way to preserve the stole.
Originally the stolen clergy was a larger shawl that covered more of the body. Over time, it became narrower, with richer ornamentation to indicate a mark of respect or dignity for the wearer. Although stories about the origin of the clergy stole vary, most agree that the stole worn today has a history in the imperial offices of the Roman Empire, where similar stoles were worn to designate rank and honor.
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