Why do bishops wear yamakas

Catholic clergy originally wore them to address two issues: their short haircuts and the problem of not having a hood on their copes. Combine this, with the fact that copes with hoods went out of fashion in the 13th century, and you begin to see where the tradition comes from. Yes, they were cold in the winter! What with the lack of modern-day heating and such in our cathedrals. Of course, today they don't need them to stay warm, but the tradition lives on. And there are other religions and other similar traditions of covering the head.

Zoroastrians wear topis ; Druze men sometimes don a doppa and Buddhists often wear a bao-tzu. While often connected to the liturgical headgear of the Jewish High Priesthood, most historians believe the hat is derived from ancient Greece. Athletes competing in the Olympic games wore ribbons on their head, tied with a band and left to dangle down the back.

A cap was worn under the bands for further protection from the heat. The victors were awarded a laurel wreath, which was then placed on top of the cap and ribbons. The full headgear of the victorious athlete was adopted by the priests of ancient Greece and later by the officials in the Byzantine Empire.

These two associations became an inspiration for the miter later on. By the 12th century the miter developed into what we are most familiar with, a large hat with two peaks one in front; one in back and two flaps of cloth called lappets tailing from the back. It is now used exclusively during certain liturgical functions of the bishop.

In light of the origin of the miter, the bishop is given the task of leading his flock to Heaven, running with them, encouraging them to win the crown that is reserved for the victorious cf.

While the hats of the bishop can appear strange, the historical origins of the headgear reveal a deeper meaning. Antonio Nardelli Shutterstock. Seriously, one historical reason was to hide a bald spot from the elements.

So why all the fuss over what the bishop wears on his head? It is usually made of knitting , silk, velvet or synthetic fabrics and stitched into segments or in one piece. Francis at Assisi.

It is seen also under the tiara in the effigy on the tomb of Clement VI d. The figures on the several tombs of bishops of the fifteenth century in the Roman churches show the zucchetto under the mitre. According to Catholic hierarchy, different color pileolus denote different status within the Catholic clergy, thus the Pope wears a white zuccheto, cardinals wear red ones, bishops wear purple and priests wear black zucchetos.

This tradition dates back to the old testament, in which jewish priests were required to cover their heads in the presence of God as a sign of humility. Moreover, a ll clerics who have episcopal character retain the skullcap for most of the mass, removing it at the beginning of the canon by placing it on completion of the fellowship. The other clerics can not use it outside of the liturgy.

Learn more about the Jewish origin of the Mitre — the Catholic Bishops headgear. Well the new testament says that men should not cover there head in the presence of God. And it also says in a later time the spirit of demons will forbid people to marry. The apostle Paul who is greater than any leading man that is living today did not marry for his own reasons but he said if you can not keep yourself get marry.

He said overseers must have only one wife. So I think instead of acting holy people should read the bible and follow Christ not sinners who dont follow Christ. Anyway, whatever happened to the bible passage below? Have you missed it when reading your bible? Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be freed. Are you free of a wife? So why would you take advise from someone who never married. That last reply was just stupid, probably blasphemous!

Girl you have a great point! The article above is talking about the beanies theywear not the Mitre! And they DO wear them, because everyone has seen them!!

Shocking notion. Also, on a side note, incidences of molestation and rape are higher in various denominations than they are in the Catholic Church. That includes priests, pedophiles, murderers, liars, thieves, adulterers, and blasphemers, among others. Perhaps you can tell Jesus next time you pray why you love him so much but you dont mind insulting your neighbor?

Alex you are definitely wrong about molestation and rape are higher in various denominations. Would you deign to reveal your sources? Of course not because you have no sources. Blather on as idiots often do. There are some really concerning stats on this issue. It sadens all of us to know that all churches, not only the Catholic Church, have been affected by this problem. I have no religon! Second of all, magic are tricks, religion are tricks because there is magic in it.

Well, this is a website about religion. If you have no religion, the why are you on it? What is going on here? Are you crazy Anonymous?