Headdress of the Pope - an attribute not only for the liturgy

One of the most popular questions in scanwords: β€œWhat is the name of the headdress of the Pope?” (5 letters). The answer is known to many and not confused: tiara. But what she is like, and when she is worn, we will describe below, as well as other attributes intended for the head of His Holiness.

Introducing the Pontiff's Headgear

The headdress of the Pope is far from alone. But we will begin the description with the most famous - with the tiara. Its exact origin is unknown. She appeared seven centuries ago. The tiara is in the form of a stack, an egg or a nest of a bee, who more like the comparison. It was made of thick white fabric and richly decorated with gold embroidery and always two ribbons, which fell on the back of His Holiness.

headdress of the pope
Then, another crown was added to it, which, according to assumptions, was to denote secular and spiritual power. Finally, she got a third, which completes the cross. According to various theologians, the tiara can be a symbol of life, since its shape resembles an egg, or indicate power over all areas - earth, sky and underground life. Its three rims can also reflect the suffering, struggles and victory of the church or power over continents such as Europe, Africa and Asia.

The tiara was used when the new Pope came into power. The ceremony of intronization required the laying of a triple crown. The last pope who supported this ceremony was Paul VI in 1963, but a few weeks later, as a sign of humility, he transferred his tiara to the altar of St. Peter's Basilica. His successors have not been crowned since 1965. The Vatican does not comment on this. In 1968, it was granted to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. This was done to show it and raise funds for the poorest.

Winter hat

In the cold season, the headdress of the Pope is camauro. This is a warm hat made of camel or velvet wool. It is red in color, and ermine fur serves as its trim.

headdress of the pope 5
The headdress of the Pope (pictured) is wearing a camauro with a warm cloak (mozzetta) also red.

What the pontiff wears in the summer

In summer, use zucetto or pyleolus. He appeared out of necessity. The head of the Catholic minister of the church has a shaved tonus, which was required to be protected from the cold temperature in the church. Zuchetto is made of eight wedges and has a small tail on top, and the pontiff has always a white pyleolus, unlike cardinal hats, bishops and other prelates.

the headdress of the pope is called
His Holiness John Paul II often gave his zuketto to the guests as a keepsake. And with Pontiff Francis in Italy there was a small incident. While he was blessing and kissing a five-year-old girl, leaning toward her, at that time she removed the zucette from his head, which did not offend, but only amused the Pope, who laughed at it along with everyone else.

The headdress of the Pope, the pylaeolus, is always worn when the Holy Mass is served. Then for some time it is removed, and it is placed on a small copper or wooden stand. After the communion rite, he is again put on.

Liturgical vestments

For service in a cathedral or church, the headdress of the Pope is called a miter or afulula. Protestants also have it in Orthodoxy. The traditional modern Catholic miter is not worn directly on the head, but on the pylaeolus and consists of two parts that converge at the top into a cone above the forehead and nape. Two ribbons are attached to her back, which are a symbol of the Old and New Testaments. The mithra of the pontiff (usually he doesn’t have one) is decorated with real precious stones and magnificent golden embroidery on a white background.

headdress of the pope photo

Interesting fact. The mitral valve of the human heart, which is located between the left ventricle and the left atrium, is named so because of its similarity in form to the miters. Andreas Vesalius noted a striking similarity between them when performing anatomical autopsies in the sixteenth century.

Casual attribute

The everyday headdress of the Pope is a red hat with a low round tulle and two gold cords that are tied under the chin. It is made from beaver fur or felt. She has wide fields. Its name is the cappello romano ("Roman hat"), and the addition of "saturn" she received because of the similarity of its appearance with the planet Saturn, surrounded by a ring. Capello Romano is not used in liturgical services.

In this article we have described in detail, if possible, all five headgear that are in the wardrobe of His Holiness the Pope.


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