Gloves

GLOVES. - The introduction of gloves (chirothecae) into the liturgy is due to the desire to make episcopal attire ever more distinct and solemn. Amalarius, at the beginning of the 9th century, tells us nothing about the use of gloves by bishops; nevertheless, an inventory of the abbey of St-Riquier from 831 attests to their use: «Wanti castanei auro parati». Magani (L'antica liturgia romana, III, Milan 1899, p. 170) cites other documents from the 10th century and a precise liturgical attestation in the Sacramentary of Ratoldus of Corbie (d. 986): «Tunc ministrentur ei (= to the bishop who is vesting for Mass) manicae... postea detur when, at the end, they give the papal blessing (Sacred Congregation of Rites, 3605, 9). Originally they were white, generally of silk: from the 13th century they were also made in the other liturgical colors, except black, being forbidden at Mass for the dead and on Good Friday. On the upper part they have embroideries with symbols of Jesus Christ. The prayer with which they are handed to the newly elected indicates that their purpose is not to protect from cold, but rather to keep the hands clean.