Originally it was a kind of closed mantle or chasuble with a hood, but later it assumed the sleeved form of a wide, unbelted tunic or dalmatic. St. Benedict assigns two such garments for a monk’s wardrobe: one heavier and shaggy for winter, and another lighter one for summer. The color is white or black according to the monastic Congregations that use it; thus the Cistercians, Camaldolese, and Olivetans have it in white, while others use black. It is essentially a choir garment, but among the Cistercians and in some monasteries it is worn on more solemn occasions of common activity.
In ancient usage the term *cuculla* referred to a kind of scapular worn for work and covering the shoulders and head. St. Benedict calls it *scapulare propter opera*.
In the East, garments similar to the *c.* are found in use, as is reported in the histories of Eastern monasticism.