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Many Christians have followed certain dress codes during attendance at church. Customs have varied over time and between different Christian denominations.
Clothing worn during religious services
In some Christian communities, the term "Sunday best" refers to the tradition of saving one's finest clothing for Sunday services. In some communities, churches served as the main social center for local residents. As such, dressing in fine clothing for religious services was often dictated by a need to project status and influence among peers.[1] Many modern Christians reject this practice and instead encourage modest, respectful dress not only for Sunday worship, but in everyday life.[2]
Some Christian holy days incorporate traditional clothing, such as the Easter bonnet. Christians' clothing has, however, evolved over time.
In recent decades, some churches have encouraged a more informal dress code. Among the first to adopt this policy were the Calvary Chapel associated churches.[3] Many clergy members, especially those in denominations and religious groups formed in the 20th century, have abandoned the traditional robes and vestments in favor of business casual clothing. This change was made to close the perceived gap between the clergy and laypersons. Some even wear jeans and other everyday casual wear if the members have chosen to dress casual as well. Though a small minority, Christian naturists take this one step further, and wear no clothing at all, which they see as "God's design".[citation needed]
Some Christian traditions encourage or require adherents to don clothing of religious significance during church services, such as a headcovering. Headcoverings are often required of women attending services in many modern Anabaptist sects and some Eastern Orthodox communities.[4] Some Catholic and non-denominational Christian women also choose to cover their heads for worship, a practice enjoined by Paul in the Bible (1 Corinthians 11).[5][6]
Wedding dress
Weddings are often religious events. The "White wedding" in Europe and the United States, which has become mainstream worldwide, is deeply related to Christianity values. Traditional and religious brides tend to choose white dresses, to keep with the norm. White wedding dress are primarily preferred by Western Christian families. They are worn by the bride as a symbol of purity, innocence, and goodness.[7] Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church or also known as Mormon) attach particular significance to white clothing.[8] The church says, "White is the symbol of purity. No unclean person has the right to enter God’s house."[9] Many things in the temple are symbolic, and white brings to mind purity, virtue, and cleanliness of body, mind, and heart. In the LDS Church, the bride should wear a wedding dress that is "white, modest in design and fabric, and free of elaborate ornamentation" when getting married one of the church's temples.[10] The bride must always wear a white dress when getting married in the temple.[11]
See also
- Religious clothing – including further information on Christian religious clothing
References
- ^ "The Origin of Dressing Up for Church". 8 December 2014.
- ^ "What Should We Wear to Worship?", Radically Christian, 27 May 2015.
- ^ "Calvary Chapel Core Convictions: Informal/ Relaxed Style". Archived from the original on 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
- ^ "Uncovering the Head Covering Debate". Her.meneutics. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
- ^ Bailey, Mark (2003). Nelson's New Testament Survey: Discovering the Essence, Background & Meaning About Every New Testament Book. Thomas Nelson Inc. ISBN 9781418540876.
- ^ Witness Lee (August 1990). Life-Study of 1 Corinthians: Messages 48-69, 3. pp. 470–471. ISBN 9780870831423.
- ^ "White Wedding Gown- What Does It Symbolize?". symbolsage.com. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
- ^ "The Importance of the LDS Temple Dress". whiteelegance.com. 2020-09-01.
- ^ "Why Symbols?". churchofjesuschrist.org. 2007-02-01.
- ^ "27. Temple Ordinances for the Living". General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
- ^ "Temple Bridal Dress Guidelines". churchofjesuschrist.org. Jun 1, 1997.
External links
- “Modern Christian Clothing” May 27, 2021
- "A Business of the Cloth Finds a Surge in Demand" by Debra Nussbaum, "The New York Times", January 28, 1996, retrieved September 6, 2009.
- Contemporary Christian Clothing Brands
- "What Would Jesus Sell?" by Stephanie Simon, "The Los Angeles Times", July 21, 2006, retrieved January 4, 2010.
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