Scapular

:Scapular can also mean related to the scapula (shoulder bone).

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A scapular (Latin, scapula, shoulder) is a Roman Catholic devotional artifact in the form of a cloth pendant, the wearing of which is believed by the faithful to confer a benefit to the wearer. The Church considers it a sacramental. It can also refer to the article of clerical vestments from which it evolved. For purposes of this article, "scapular" refers to the smaller version worn by the laity. The clerical vestment will be referred to as a "monastic scapular".

Related Topics:
Latin - Roman Catholic - A sacramental - Vestment

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In its original form, the scapular is part of the habit of many monastic orders. Here it is a shoulder-wide length of cloth with a collar in the middle, worn over the traditional robe or cassock, almost like a sleeveless surcoat. It is the equivalent of the analabus worn in the Eastern tradition.

Related Topics:
Habit - Cassock

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The modern "lay" form of the scapular (sometimes called the "reduced scapular", but this usage is archaic) is much smaller, designed to be unobtrusive and can be worn under regular clothing. It consists of two small squares of cloth, wood or laminated paper bearing religious images joined by two bands of cloth. It is worn so that one band is across each shoulder and that one square rests on the chest and the other on the back. Older forms of scapulae exist that have extra bands running under the arms and connecting the squares.

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