What is a ceremonial scapular used for?Thanks for all answers!
A scapular is a part of many Religious habits, such as worn by nuns and monks. In most habits, the scapular does not stand out, because it is the same color as the rest of the habit. Some orders use a different color for their scapular, such as this (the black part is the scapular):
https://www.crosier.org/ImagesUpload/Scapular-Bauer.gif
The word “scapular” means “over the shoulder” and derives from the word “scapula” which is your shoulder bone. The original purpose of a scapular was to act as an apron. Today, the scapular is largely a symbol of the work ethic of the Order.
Some of the Catholic Faithful choose to wear symbolic scapulars, which are very small bits of printed cloth (about the size of two postage stamps) joined by strings about the size of shoelaces. They do this to identify themselves with the values and charism of a Religious Order which they admire. One very popular symbolic scapular is the Brown Scapular of Mt. Carmel:
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTVKsT-Yn_mMqn59VD9CgL_nMDjIYu2oirf1qgVmD1_Tl6VAnmh
A person who is a Third-Order Carmelite (a secular order which does not take Vows) is expected to wear this small symbolic scapular (under the clothes) at all times.
However, in a Third Order, special ceremonies (such as when a new member is received into the Community) often call for a special ceremonial scapular is worn outside the clothes. It is the same concept as the symbolic scapular, but is much larger (about the size of a typical paperback book). It looks something like this:
http://www.sistersofcarmel.com/pics...ular-of-our-lady-of-mount-carmel-front-tn.jpg
Such a scapular would not be worn except in the context of special ceremonies (hence the term “ceremonial” scapulars).
