Scapular

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A scapular is a <a href="/facts/Western_Christianity/9YP8vhKs">Western Christian</a> garment suspended from the shoulders. There are two types of scapulars, the <a href="/facts/Monasticism/f0IhfXxb">monastic</a> and <a href="/facts/Catholic_devotions/YpXg4zrw"> devotional</a> scapular; both forms may simply be referred to as "scapular". As an object of popular piety, a devotional scapular serves to remind wearers of their <a href="/facts/Promise/mSsvK6Pb"> commitment</a> to live a Christian life.
The monastic scapular appeared first, perhaps as early as the 7th century AD in the <a href="/facts/Order_of_Saint_Benedict/wPDY4zrT">Order of Saint Benedict</a>. It is a length of cloth suspended both front and back from the shoulders of the wearer, either reaching almost to the hem of the tunic or ends at knee height. It may vary in shape, color, size and style. Monastic scapulars originated as <a href="/facts/Apron/tejYnJeM">aprons</a> worn by medieval <a href="/facts/Monk/mDhTrNcB">monks</a>, and later became part of the <a href="/facts/Religious_habit/rm1qb45V">habits</a> for members of <a href="/facts/Religious_order/7wrWeaUt">orders</a> or <a href="/facts/Confraternities/57ySxgEL">confraternities</a>. Monastic scapulars now form part of the religious habit of monks and <a href="/facts/Nun/XAqMnnVQ">nuns</a> in many religious communities.
The devotional scapular is a much smaller item and evolved from the monastic scapular. Devotional scapulars may be worn by individuals who are not members of a religious order. The devotional scapular typically consists of two small (usually rectangular) pieces of cloth, wood or laminated paper, a few inches in size, which may bear religious images or text. These are joined by two bands of cloth. The wearer places one square on the chest, rests the bands one on each shoulder and lets the second square drop down the back.
In many cases, both forms of the scapular come with a set of promises made by or to the faithful who wear them. Some of the promises are rooted in tradition.[need quotation to verify][need quotation to verify]

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Scapular