vestments (religious)

Vestments are specialized, ceremonial garments worn by clergy during religious services. They symbolize spiritual authority, purity, and the sacred nature of the liturgy. Common types include robes, stoles, chasubles, and albs, each with specific significance and usage depending on the tradition. These garments often feature symbolic colors and patterns aligned with liturgical seasons or specific occasions. Vestments serve to distinguish clergy from laity, enhance the dignity of worship, and underscore the solemnity and reverence of religious rituals. They are both functional and symbolic, reflecting theological meanings and fostering a sense of sacred tradition.