21 November 2018

Word of the Day: Chasuble

CHASUBLE. A sleeveless outer garment worn by a priest at Mass. It is worn over all other vestments and is made of silk, velvet, or other rich material usually decorated with symbols. The arms are to be free when it is worn. It symbolizes the yoke of Christ and signifies charity. (Etym. Latin casula, a little house; hence a mantle.)
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The chasuble has varied in style though the centuries, the full 'Gothic' chasuble that is essentially a circular poncho, with an opening in the centre for the Celebrants head, is popular now.

Prior to the Council the baroque 'fiddleback' was quite common.

In the East the equivalent is the phelonion

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