Symbolism of Liturgical Textiles

[araujodt]

I know that some liturgical clothing is made os linen, while others are made of silk or wool…but I don’t know why is that. Can you tell me what is the symbolism of each of these fabrics?

If you can also direct me to any bibliography on the subject, I wouls relly appreciate it.

Thanks a lot.

 

[jeanannemarie]

I was told once that linen is used because Christ was wrapped in linen in the tomb. I can’t really help any further, sorry.

 

[paperwight66]

Well, I can only answer for my own Parish, but in our cupboards, all the vestments are drip-dry man-made fabrics, and the albs drip-dry cotton/polyester mix.

If there is any significance in silk, linen etc. it probably was only a pious tradition connected with what was laid down in Leviticus, perhaps, for the Temple worship.

 

[Aramis]

The rich fabrics of the outer liturgical garments are a sign of respect for the sacraments.

Remember: the liturgy is a celebration, in a formal mode. Dressing well, the priest included, is good pious practice.

All the vestments in current use originated as either Roman or Dark Ages clothing.

The Alb, symbolic of purity, needs to be of fine fabric to be consistent with that.

Linen was used because it makes a fine, smooth, naturally almost-white, and fairly strong fabric; medieval bleaching techniques render a low-intensity very nearly white fabric. Very little else got as white as linen. (Cotton is better, but was not readily available in Europe until the 1400s.)

Likewise, black linen makes fine cassocks which are quite cool in the summer, especially under a white linen alb or surplice. Woolen cassocks are warm, and excellent in the winter.