Embroidered Chasuble Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

A fine Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf with design after the embroidery seen on the outermost liturgical vestment known as the Chasuble, worn by the clergy in churches of the Western Christian tradition.

Liturgical vestments, including the chasuble, carry deep symbolic meaning rooted in early Christian and Roman traditions.

Originally a common outer garment called the casula or “little house,” evolved into the primary vestment worn by priests during the Eucharist. It symbolises the virtue of charity and the yoke of Christ, covering other garments to signify love as the supreme virtue.

Other vestments include the alb, representing purity; the stole, symbolising authority and service; and the maniple, once used to wipe tears, denoting humility. Over centuries, these garments became more elaborate, reflecting theological, artistic, and cultural shifts. Their colours follow the liturgical calendar, white for celebration, purple for penance, green for ordinary time, helping to visually mark sacred rhythms and spiritual focus.

COLOURS

STYLING

A Fox & Chave habotai silk scarf can be worn with the classic knot style or a pussycat bow. You can even create a shawl effect by knotting two scarves together behind your neck and allowing them to drape over your shoulders. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.