Chasuble - Definition and Overview

The chasuble, (one of the liturgical vestments of Christian churches of various denominations including Roman Catholics and Anglicans), was originally a sort of poncho, with a round hole in the middle through which to pass the head, and falling to the feet. Thus, it had to be folded around the arms to allow them to be used, strings and Deacons were used to assist in this task. Over the centuries it was reduced to the shape of a broad scapular which left the arms completely free at each side. Following the Second Vatican Council, the scapular form fell out of fashion and it is a variation of the original that is now most commonly used, although the material and design became more simplified, or with a modern art aesthetic. It is the principal and most conspicuous of the vestments used at Mass. It is invariably was made of some rich material such as silk or cloth of gold and often richly embroidered. It hangs evenly from the priest's shoulders to his knees. Ordinarily it bears the image of the cross and became associated as a symbol of the purple robe in which Jesus was clothed by Herod and mocked.

In the Eastern rites, the equivalent vestment is the phelonion.