Camauro

CAMAURO. - It is a kind of cap that covers the whole head and also the ears, which was used outside of sacred functions. In its current form it is the exclusive privilege of the Supreme Pontiff, who wears it in red velvet trimmed with ermine in winter, and in red satin in summer, like the mozzetta he wears. Its origin is not certain. Some authors, from the Latin word camelaucium, claim it is so called because it is a head covering made of camel hair. Others see in it the definition of the effect that the c. was supposed to produce, namely that of conserving warmth. Others finally consider it a feminine ornament, which then passed, like the mitre and the tiara, to ecclesiastical prelates. In its primitive form it was composed of four pieces of cloth, sewn in the shape of a cross, wide enough to cover the ears as well, as it is found on a medal of Alexander VI. The era in which the popes began to wear it is not certain. In the medallions of the popes existing in the basilica of St. Paul in Rome, we see that the first popes who wear the c. are the Avignon popes Clement V and John XXII. The type varied according to the taste of the era, and also according to the wishes of the pontiffs. From Pius VI onward the popes almost never wear it, but use the white zucchetto. The c. is placed on the head of the deceased pontiff before he is dressed in the sacred vestments to be exposed to the public.

Enrico Dante