Cardinal Attire
The question of what cardinals wear can seem strange, but there is often a curiosity about what they typically wear on Sunday. Many traditions dictate that cardinals wear a cassock, a mozzetta (short cape), and a skullcap, while some may add a crucifix. But one key thing to note is what color the skullcap is: blue. Cardinals are traditionally required to wear a blue skullcap on Sunday. This came about due to a liturgical tradition where the color blue symbolized the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Symbolic Color
The color blue comes with a long, symbolic history. Before it was adopted by Christianity, the Ancient Greeks linked the color blue to the God Zeus. It was then used by the Church as a symbol of purity, resonating with Mary’s level of purity as a mother. With time, it became accepted as the color for liturgical veils. Blue is also linked to the symbol of the sky – suggesting the infinite, which may tie into the power and influence of cardinals in the Church.
A Liturgical Requirement
It has become an unwritten requirement for cardinals to wear the blue skullcap on Sundays (the Amethyst), and other accepted holidays. The skullcap is a smaller version of the hat the cardinals will wear when presiding over certain services. The reason for the skullcap dictating the color blue may even have been an attempt to set a standard for the clergy as well as the laity, since the color blue was easily spotted and remembered. This could help in distinguishing a high-ranking priest from the laity.
Alternative Wear
An alternative to the blue skullcap, which requires specific liturgical days of wearing, is the Galero hat. This is the wider brimmed hat that is a deep red. This is supposed to symbolize the blood spilt that the priest will gain when receiving the rights of being a Cardinal. The Galero hat is only used in a ceremony known as a ‘Creation’ and is meant to represent the Church crowned rather than conical.
Cardinal Colors
In addition to the blue color of the Amethyst skullcap on Sundays and liturgically celebrated days, cardinals usually don a simple black cassock. However, some of the robes are a mix of bright red, purple, and even white fabrics, depending on the occasion. The Cardinals who preside over the Universal Church have a white vestment called a alb, symbolizing the purity of the newness of life and justice, as well as the supposed role a Cardinal plays in God’s light.
Public Stillness
Often accompanying the garb of a Cardinal is a hush in the public sphere, as they are provided with honor and reverence. Respect is even further enforced as very little eye contact is expected from both the cardinal and the person they are conversing with. Typically, a small, pleasant exchange of words or a quick ‘praise be to God’ is given before the cardinal moves on to their current task.
Historical Construction
The history behind the garments and rules a cardinal must adhere to during their time serving the Universal Church can be fascinating. It isn’t certain as to when the formal rules were first codified, but research would suggest that it was sometime during the Middle Ages. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church became a powerful and influential entity and so it was important they shone brightly in the public’s view. It’s believed that the importance of the uniform and the blue skullcap were seen as practical and powerful tools to differentiate high ranking priests from the laity.
Creating A Respectful Image
Finally, it is clear that the purpose of the blue skullcap is to create a respectful image among cardinals and Church representatives. While its importance has shifted as culture has changed and the Church evolves, the concept of the cardinal always staying professional with his attire is interesting one which seems to represent the qualities of tradition and respect which people seek to portray.
Celebrations Of The Papal
During celebrations of the Papal, Cardinals are assigned to wear a miter pinned above their white alb, while their skullcaps shall remain hidden. The miter is a long hat resembling a pointed cone and is seen as a symbol of Protestantism within Catholicism. Cardinals who extoll these garments have the right to engage in chants and recitals along with readings and lecturing. Although there are lesser-known garments that are more commonly worn such as the biretta hat (a black and red topped hat with four triangular cuts) to show respect and reverence during services.
Theological Intent
Cardinals have a great deal of influences within the Church, so it makes sense that the clothing they wear must also be representative of the level of haute couture befitting their position. It is essential for cardinals to adhere to these regulations, not just for the sake of having a uniform look, however, but also for the theological intent it carries. Religious dress is aimed to evoke reverence and passion for the Creator and all that it entails. In today’s world, the cardinal’s apparel often carries a positive message, showing the humility and beauty of the faithful.
A Facade of Splendor
It is known that some cardinals wear their garb with either pride; or with a face of flamboyance. Saints, such as the Blessed Pope John Paul II would wear their garb in a humble manner, with a facade of splendor. But the joy of being a cardinal during religious occasions, or when performing acts of service, is labor done with love, not done for show.
A Show of Piety and Respect
When cardinals wear attire of dark blue adorned with a white zucchetto (small skullcap) it is a sign of piety and utmost respect. This is tantamount to a show of honor and respect for the Church, their parish community, and the congregation which they serve. It is a proud symbol that no garment or jewelry can replace.
A Sign of Power
The wearing of their customary cassock and skullcap is yet another indication that cardinals have a special relationship to both God and the Church, its teachings, and rules. All of these show the cardinal’s power and responsibility. Furthermore, it could be said wearing such garments as a badge of honor, courage, and humility of service.
Proper Grooming
Without proper grooming, the uniform is not complete. Hair must be kept neatly trimmed and conservatively groomed. Moreover, facial hair should be kept neat and clean. Although facial hair can differ in length, it is expected with facial hair to be kept neat, trimmed, and groomed. A cardinal may choose to keep a neatly groomed mustache or goatee but a beard is prohibited.
