worn the _Amice_--an oblong piece of linen, a part
of which is folded over and forms a large collar. This is often
embroidered.

The _Chasuble_, sometimes called "the vestment" by way of distinction,
is worn only at the celebration of the Holy Communion. It is oval in
shape, without sleeves, with an opening in the middle through which the
head may be passed. In front and behind it extends nearly to the
ground, and on the sides to the hands. It is usually ornamented with a
Y-shaped cross, which is often embroidered. The chasuble is sometimes
ornamented with very rich needlework. The stole is worn under the
chasuble, crossed on the breast, and passed under the girdle.

[Illustration: The Chasuble]

Sometimes the _Maniple_ is also worn. It is shaped like a stole, but
smaller, and is fastened with a loop over the left arm near the wrist.

This dress, with local differences, is worn in all {110} the ancient
Churches of Christendom. It has come down to us with the Church
itself. It is, in fact, simply the dignified dress of primitive days,
enriched and ornamented. Times and customs have changed, but the dress
of the Priest, made sacred by association with his holy work, has
remained unaltered.

In churches where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated with very full
ceremonial, the two clergy-men who assist the celebrant, called the
"deacon" and "subdeacon," sometimes on festival occasions wear
respectively a _Dalmatic_ and a _Tunicle_. These garments are very
similar, being a kind of loose coat or frock reaching below the knees,
open partially at the lower part of the sides, and having full, though
not large, sleeves. The dalmatic is usually somewhat more ornamented.
These are festival garments. On other occasions the girded alb and the
amice are often worn by the deacon and subdeacon.

[Illustration: Dalmatic]

The chasuble, and also the dalmatic and tunicle, are often of silk, of
the color of the season; but the custom of wearing only white linen
vestments prevails in many churches.

{111}

"The following somewhat fanciful meanings, among various others, have
been applied to the vestments: the alb is said to signify the white
robe which Herod placed upon our Saviour; the amice, the cloth with
which He was blindfolded by the Jews; the stole, maniple, and girdle,
the cords which bound Him, and the chasuble, the purple robe of scorn.

"They are also said to represent certain Christian graces. The amice,
p