Templar Clothing And Garments
The wardrobe of the Templars is best known as a white mantle emblazoned with the Red Cross of the crusaders. However this was not their original dress and didn't come to be until 1148. The white mantle was a symbol of purity and a reflection of the Knight's vow of chastity.

The Red Cross was given to them by Pope Eugene III in 1147 or 1148. It was to be worn above every Templar's heart as a shield. The purpose of which was so they would not escape in front of the Moslems. Templars by their rule of order were required to wear Sheepskin under garments, that were never to be removed. This was a symbol of their vow of chastity. They were also encouraged to never bathe, lest another Templar see their naked body. As in all male societies, Homosexuality was a concern. For this reason, the Templars were made to sleep with lamps burning, to stave the darkness that may entice homosexual practices.

In a day when a Knights hair flowed long the Templars wore their hair short but were forbidden to cut their beards. To the Moslems facial hair was equated with masculinity, therefore the Templars masculine appearance was said to intimidate their enemies.

Garments Of The Three Templar Classes

The Knights (Full Brothers)
These Templars were dressed in the traditional White Mantle (symbolic of their new found purity). After 1147/1148 the red eight pointed cross was added to the mantle.

The Sergeants (men at arms, stewards etc.)
The sergeants as they were commonly know were dressed with the red eight pointed cross on the back of a black or dark brown mantle.

The Clerics (priests)
The Chaplains of the order were garbed in a green mantle with the red Templar Cross on it. They always wore white gloves (traditional in Masonry today and back to Egyptian times). The purpose of the gloves was to keep their hands clean for when they must serve mass and (figuratively) touch God.

Who Were The Knights Templar?	The Templars And History	The Templars: Warrior Monks
The Templar Seal	The Masonic Connection?	The Grand Masters
The Mysteries Of The Templars	The Templars And Their Myths	The Templars And The Baphomet
The Crusades	The Templar Book Shoppe	Links and WebRings
Important Stuff	Read My Guestbook! Sign My Guestbook!	E-mail Author

This Site Paid For And Sponsored By