Religious Clothing: What do temple garments and other religious vestments have in common?

Many of the rituals and traditions of religion come under attack today. People often argue that religion is dictatorial or that its traditions are outdated. However, there are still billions of people around the world who believe deeply in the traditions and rituals of their religion. One of these traditions is wearing religious clothing. Many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wear a type of religious underclothing they call the garment. However, garments are often misunderstood, even mocked by those outside (and sometimes inside) the religion who call them Mormon magic pajamas or other disrespectful monickers. 

While many people do not understand garments, many other religions wear special vestments in their worship. Here we will examine the clothing worn by the people among various religions, including Roman Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We will examine how the clothing worn by all these groups share common purposes, in particular, we will examine what Mormon garments and other religious clothing have in common.  

Roman Catholicism

Roman Catholic religious clothing is rich in symbolism and tradition, designed to reflect the sacred duties and responsibilities of the clergy and the laity during various liturgical ceremonies. In Roman Catholicism, most vestments are worn by the clergy. For example, the clergy wear a chausable, which is the outermost garment worn by priests during the Mass. It is often richly decorated and comes in different colors depending on the liturgical season or specific feast being celebrated. Priests also wear a stole, which is a long, narrow strip of cloth worn around the neck. Priests wear the stole over both shoulders, while deacons wear it over one shoulder and across the chest. It symbolizes the yoke of Christ and the authority of the ordained ministry. 

The alb, which is worn by priests and deacons is a long, white linen tunic; it symbolizes purity and is a reminder of the baptismal garment. Similarly, Mormon special garments are white. This, like the alb, symbolizes purity. Other vestments worn by clergy are the cassock, cincture, and surplice. Other vestments are reserved for higher clergy like bishops or cardinals. These include things like the mitre, a ceremonial headdress worn by bishops and abbots. The crozier is a staff with a curved top, which represents a bishop’s pastoral role as the shepherd of the flock/congregation. A zuchetto is a small skullcap. Bishops wear purple, cardinals red, and the Pope white. 

The colors of vestments worn during liturgical (certain calendrical) celebrations have specific meanings and change according to the liturgical calendar. As mentioned previously, white symbolizes purity, but it also symbolizes joy and victory. White is usually worn during Christmas, Easter, feasts of the Lord, and feasts of saints who are not martyrs. Other colors are red, green, purple, rose, and black. Red represents the Holy Spirit and martyrdom and is worn on Pentecost, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and the feasts of martyrs. Green signifies hope and life and is worn during Ordinary Time (the Sundays that do not occur during the major liturgical seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent, or Easter). Purple is used during Advent and Lent and denotes penance and preparation. Rose shows joy amidst penance and is worn on the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) and the fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday). Black is traditionally used in funerals and All Souls’ Day, though it is less common today.

Although most of the symbolic clothing in Roman Catholicism is worn by the clergy, there is also religious clothing worn by the laity. For example, the scapular is a small piece of cloth that a person wears over their shoulders, usually as part of a devotion to a particular saint or religious order. It is a symbol of the wearer’s commitment to the saint or the religious order. In some cultures, women wear veils or mantillas (lace veils) during Mass as a sign of reverence and modesty.

Islam

Muslim religious clothing varies widely based on cultural, regional, and sectarian differences, but there are some common garments and accessories that hold religious significance and are worn for modesty, worship, and special occasions. Many Muslim men wear a thobe (thawb), which is a long, robe-like garment that covers the entire body. It is commonly worn in the Middle East and North Africa and is known by different names in various regions like the dishdasha in the Gulf, or the jellabiya in Egypt. In South Asia, both men and women wear salwar and kameez. Salwar is a type of baggy trousers and kameez is a long tunic. Muslim men might also wear a kufi or taqiyah, which is a rounded cap, worn on the head as a sign of modesty. It is often worn during prayers and religious ceremonies.

The more commonly known Muslin clothing is worn by women. Most of the special garments that women wear are a sign of modesty while in public. Similarly, Mormon temple garments are meant to encourage modesty. The design of the garment itself, which covers the body from shoulders to knees, reinforces the importance of modesty in dress and behavior. This principle of modesty extends beyond the physical act of wearing the garment; it also encompasses thoughts, actions, and attitudes. Many Muslim women wear the hijab–a headscarf that covers the hair, neck, and sometimes the shoulders. An abaya is a long, loose-fitting cloak that covers the entire body except for the face, hands, and feet. It is commonly worn by women who live in Gulf countries and is often paired with a hijab or niqab. A niqab is a face veil that covers the face except for the eyes. The chador is a full-body cloak worn by women in Iran that leaves only the face visible. It is usually black and worn over other clothing. Finally, the burqa is worn by some women in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. It is a full-body covering that includes a mesh screen to cover the eyes. 

Muslims also wear specific clothing on special occasions. During the special festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Muslims often wear new or their best clothes to mark the special occasion. This can include traditional outfits specific to their culture or region. Muslims also wear special clothing called ihram during their hajj or umrah. Men wear special white garments consisting of two white seamless cloths that are draped over the body. The white garments symbolize purity. The fact that all men wear the same thing, recognizes everyone’s equality before God. Women’s ihram clothing is not as regimented as men’s, it is generally solidly colored, unadorned, modest clothing.

Hinduism

Hindu religious clothing is a diverse and richly symbolic aspect of the faith, reflecting the cultural and spiritual ethos of Hinduism. One of the most recognizable garments is the sari, worn by women. A sari is a long piece of cloth, typically six to nine yards in length, that is elegantly draped around the body, over the shoulder, and often over the head. The sari is not only a daily wear item but also holds religious significance, particularly during festivals, temple visits, and rituals. Mormon garments are also significantly associated with the Mormon temple endowment ceremony, and the garment is often called the Mormon endowment garment. The sari’s colors and designs can symbolize various spiritual themes and social messages. For instance, white saris are traditionally worn by widows and during mourning periods, while vibrant colors are donned during festivals and celebrations to signify joy and prosperity.

Men in Hinduism often wear the dhoti, a long piece of cloth tied around the waist and legs, which is especially common in religious ceremonies and traditional rituals. The dhoti is typically white or off-white, symbolizing purity and simplicity, but during festive occasions, it can be richly adorned or dyed in bright colors. Another important garment for men is the kurta, a long tunic often paired with a dhoti or loose-fitting trousers. Both the dhoti and kurta are not only traditional but also signify a connection to the ancient practices and lifestyles of Hindu sages and seers, embodying an adherence to simplicity and spirituality.

Beyond these everyday garments, specific items are worn during religious activities and special occasions. For example, during puja (worship) and other rituals, both men and women might wear silk garments due to their association with purity and divine reverence. The tilak, a mark applied to the forehead, is another important element of Hindu worship. It is often made of sandalwood paste, ash, or vermilion. It signifies spiritual enlightenment and varies in shape and color depending on the deity being worshipped and the sect of Hinduism. The diverse attire in Hindu religious practice not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism but also serves as a daily reminder of spiritual principles and the wearers’ connection to their faith and community.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In review, in the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the Mormon endowment garment holds profound spiritual and symbolic significance. Garments are white, representing a commitment to live a life of purity and faithfulness. The garment is typically a two-piece set, consisting of a top and bottom. The garments are not meant to be shown and are meant to encourage modesty. By choosing to wear the garment, members demonstrate their dedication to maintaining a standard of modesty that aligns with their spiritual beliefs and values. 

Garments are worn by devout adult members who have participated in the temple endowment ceremony. They serve as a constant reminder of the temple and the covenants made with God during the endowment ceremony. There are sacred symbols sewn into the fabric as reminders of the spiritual principles and covenants associated with the temple endowment.

Additionally, one of the primary symbols associated with the temple garment is that of protection. While this is often understood in a spiritual sense rather than a physical one, Mormons believe that wearing the garment can offer divine protection against evil influences and temptation. The garment is viewed as a symbol of the wearer’s commitment to live according to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The act of wearing the garment serves as a daily, tangible reminder of these spiritual commitments and the blessings that come from adhering to them. It also symbolizes Jesus Christ’s atonement, and a commitment to repentance through his sacrifice.

Conclusion

The wearing of religious clothing, such as the garments worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a deeply significant tradition that serves multiple purposes for believers. These garments, while often misunderstood and sometimes mocked by those outside the faith who call them Magic underwear Mormon, actually symbolize sacred covenants, spiritual protection, and a commitment to modesty and faithfulness. Similar practices exist across various religious traditions, including the distinctive vestments of Roman Catholic clergy, the ihram worn by Muslim pilgrims, and the simple yet spiritually significant attire of Hindu devotees.

Despite the criticism that religious rituals and traditions may face in modern society, these practices continue to hold profound meaning for billions of people worldwide. Religious clothing, in particular, serves as a visible manifestation of inner beliefs and commitments, fostering a sense of identity, community, and continuity with ancient traditions. By examining the common purposes behind the religious attire of different faiths, we gain a greater appreciation for the role this clothing plays in the spiritual lives of believers and the shared human desire for an expression of faith, identity, and devotion.

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Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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