Buying Vestments – What You Must Know?
Vestments used for liturgies during the early church were similar to those worn by Roman cultures during the fourth century for daily use. The garments worn in Church now evolved over time as they lost their ability to match the popular style.
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Representing priesthood
If you look at the ministers and priests, they are still wearing this garment as a representation of their Christianity background and history. During the 1st century, the most common clothing consisted of a tunic, and they were short or long. A cloak or mantle is worn on top of it.
While secular trends developed gradually, it wasn’t until the 4th century that priestly attire started to stand apart from common attire. At this point, the stole started to be utilized as a representation of the priesthood. The church grew wealthy and powerful, and because of this, the vestments continued to become more elaborate.
When it comes to vestments, every part has a meaning.
Besides a priest is required to say a vesting prayer when they are put on.
- The amice, which most people never see, is the first piece of vestment. This is a rectangular piece of fabric that has cords that come out from the sides.
- The alb which is a white, long garment that evolved from the tunic sported during the 1st century comes next. Altar servers wear the alb when acting in a liturgical role as long as they are members of the baptized.
- A cord called a cincture is used as a belt to keep the alb and stole in place. Using it is not mandatory. However, if you wish to use it, you can use it. The cincture represents purity to the priest.
- A stole, which is a narrow, long piece of fabric matches the chasuble’s liturgical color. The priests’ wear it on their shoulders. It reminds us of the cross which Jesus bore on his shoulders.
Deacons wear unique vestments for their position. They will wear a stole over their alb that is attached at their hip and is worn diagonally across their body. They might also dress in a dalmatic, a tunic with wide sleeves that is worn to the knee.
Available online
Are you planning to buy Deacon vestments? You need not step out of your home anymore. The number of stores selling them has increased in number nowadays.
Moreover, some online stores provide customization options to their clients. As the vestments come in different colors, designs, and fabrics, you can get the vestments customized depending on your requirements. If you wish to, you can get the items that come in a vestment set separately. All sellers may not provide you with this option, but there are some sellers who provide you with this option.
Buy the vestments from a store, that provides quick delivery and safe payment options. The seller you choose must offer the vestments made with the finest quality fabric as the ones made with poor quality fabric get spoiled easily. Otherwise, you have to turn around the stores to buy a vestment again and again, which would cost you more in the long run.