Ancient history

What did the clergy class wear?

The clergy class in medieval Europe wore a variety of clothing, depending on their rank and the occasion.

Bishops wore the most elaborate vestments, which included a mitre (a tall, pointed hat), a chasuble (a long, sleeveless cloak), and a dalmatic (a long, loose tunic). They also carried a crosier, a staff with a curved top, which symbolized their authority.

Priests wore similar vestments to bishops, but they were less elaborate. They also wore a biretta, a square hat with three peaks, and a stole, a long, narrow scarf that was worn around the neck.

Deacons wore a dalmatic and a stole, but they did not wear a mitre or a chasuble.

Monks and nuns wore a habit, which was a simple, loose-fitting garment. Monks also wore a cowl, a hood that was attached to their habit.

The clergy class also wore different colors of clothing, depending on the occasion. For example, they wore white vestments for Easter and Christmas, and black vestments for funerals.

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