Knights and Squires/Uniforms or Costumes?

[Titivillus]

I am also a Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator, Former District Deputy. and others (Hi, @dochawk ). I own and proudly wear the regalia, but do not expect to purchase the new uniform.*

What is the point of the uniform?

The new uniform? The story is it is meant to attract new, younger members, for whom the current/old regalia is a barrier to membership.

How a set of paraphernalia which no one is required to buy, as part of a degree which no one is required to achieve, is a barrier to membership has not been explained.
*
It may be attractive to younger members, but I expect I would look like a fat old man wearing a beret. I look forward to the throngs of new members who will be joining the Order, rising through the degrees, and filling out the new uniform.

 

[Maximilian75]

As a 17 year old who will,probably join my local Council soon, it really makes no difference to me. However, I really prefer the old unis.

 

[mrsdizzyd]

What is the point of the uniform?

I was wondering the same thing. Very perplexing to this convert. I looked at the Knights website, and they seem like a true benefit to the community (but why do they sell insurance?!), but I do not understand the whole dressing up and escorting the sacrament thing.

 

[Mtatum1958]

The Knights originally as a mutual benefit society to working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, so insurance was a natural offshoot. As for uniforms, I think you might be referring to the color corps, with tux, baldric, white gloves, cape, and naval chapeau.

 

[Maximilian75]

I think it’s just a fraternal order thing. The Masons have their aprons, the Shriners their fez, etc etc

 

[MikeInVA]

The swords will be replaced with a sidearm.

Actually, I’ve seen more of a push to get rid of the swords in general. Knights cannot wear swords while in regalia in Washington DC, and we are not allow to draw them (we can only carry them in their scabbards) in the Diocese of Arlington. I think the sword looks out of place with the new uniform, which will soon lead to not wearing it.

 

[Maximilian75]

That’s actually absurd. I know DC is progressive and all, but yeesh

 

[FaithfulKnight]

How a set of paraphernalia which no one is required to buy, as part of a degree which no one is required to achieve, is a barrier to membership has not been explained

In my area this has been the unanswered question from day one. Once the extension period has lapsed there will be more former members of the color corps than current members due to the lack of interest in making the change. Evidence here is the fact that less than half of our color corps have pre-ordered.
The hopeful increase in new members may/may not offset the decrease in existing membership,
time will tell.
Faithful Knight PGK, PFN

 

[Tulitas]

Or Catholic Prep school boys.
Yeah. not a fan.
Leave it the way it is

After all look at the Swiss guard. Those are some groovy pj’s.

 

[FaithfulKnight]

I do not understand the whole dressing up and escorting the sacrament thing.

This excerpt from kofc.org may be of help.

 

[goout]

I;ve been a K of C for about 40 years starting at age 18. And I believe the colonial dress has worn it’s welcome.

The growing segments of Catholicism are largely immigrant populations now. Where I live, the Hispanic community is the vibrant growing community.

Stop and think for a second what that uniform with the sword signifies to the Hispanic population. The K of C can ably carry on our mission without the colonial uniform.

 

[KyPerson]

I think that all ceremonial regalia looks a bit odd, not that that’s a bad thing. Check out pictures of British peers in coronation robes and coronets, they really look odd.
That said, I rather like the Knights and their plumes, but only if the plumes are white. Plumes that are green, blue or other colors look too costumey for me.

 

[Hereiam]

Actually, I’ve seen more of a push to get rid of the swords in general. Knights cannot wear swords while in regalia in Washington DC, and we are not allow to draw them (we can only carry them in their scabbards) in the Diocese of Arlington. I think the sword looks out of place with the new uniform, which will soon lead to not wearing it.

Does this policy appeal to those who use the argument that there are as many murders using knifes, swords, machetes, etc. than guns? Just saying.

 

[Maximilian75]

I hadn’t thought of that. That’s a good point

 

[TC3033]

Just wanted to know if anyone else had the same thoughts, on occasion?

Ya, I hear where you’re coming from. I’m not Catholic, so the first couple times going with my wife and having the KofC there was kind of a “what the?”

I don’t bat an eye anymore when they’re there. If anything (myself and my other non-Catholic neighbor are Vets, so we’re both sticklers ) the chapter at my wife and kids’ church really needs some lessons in marching.

 

[Mary888]

It looks not interesting enough to me. It’s like - “I am on-a-budget-kind-of-knight, and please refer the Acquisitions Manager for complaints.” Hey, maybe they do have money problems or have many new members and have to come up with something most members can afford.

 

[Maximilian75]

The thing is, the dress unis are not mandatory. The majority of Knights are not 4th degree and therefore not allowed to wear the hat and cape

 

[MikeInVA]

Stop and think for a second what that uniform with the sword signifies to the Hispanic population.

Sorry, but I don’t agree. I don’t think there is any stigma associated with a sword. I’ve been to several Latin American countries and there were statues with swords in each one.

The term “Knights” is used to recall chivalry, a European tradition, not colonization.

 

[MikeInVA]

Hey, maybe they do have money problems or have many new members and have to come up with something most members can afford.

Actually, the new uniform costs about the same as the old regalia. And I can use my tuxedo for more events than I can the new uniform.
Also, if really pressed for funds, there is a lot of regalia available on eBay, etc.

 

[MikeInVA]

So Supreme asked a bunch of non-participants why they didn’t participate and they said “we don’t like the regalia.” Then they decided to do away with the regalia without consulting the folks who are participating. Now nobody wants to participate.