Origin of the Clerical Collar

[MikeDWilSr1]

I am interested in different aspects of church history and would like some info on the origin of the priest's collar or what may be better known as the clerical collar. If any one has that information, I would appreciate the "Who, What, When, Where, & Why" to be answered. Thanks.

[furay]

Me too. Neat topic. :smile:

[technomage]

I am interested in different aspects of church history and would like some info on the origin of the priest's collar or what may be better known as the clerical collar. If any one has that information, I would appreciate the "Who, What, When, Where, & Why" to be answered. Thanks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clerical_collar

[Mr. Tinkles]

I'll make a start. There are two types of clerical collar (a clerical means that it is street clothes, not a vestment, which is for a service). The Roman collar, or collarino, is thought to date from the 17th century. It 'marked' a priest as being available to perform the sacraments even if they weren't dressed in vestments ie you could spot a priest and flag one down if someone was dying.

According to newspaper reports from the time, the Anglican one dates from 1894 and seems to date to the 19th century Oxford Movement; it was common by the first world war to mark out chaplains.

There was a backlash/ reaction in the late 1960s, especially among evangelical Anglicans, who went back to shirt and tie as had been the normal practice among clergy before the mid-19th century. This was probably a symbol of their rejection of the perceived Roman Catholic doctrine of priesthood. Even today, very few evangelicals regularly wear the collar. It isn't required by canon law.

[The Curtmudgeon]

I doubt it would help at all to mention that in Ireland (albeit a Roman Catholic country for the most part), a priest's collar is more often to be mentioned (not necessarily seen) in the pubs than anywhere else: It's a humourous description of the creamy head on a pint of Guinness Stout. If the barman cheats you by putting too much head on your pint, it's customary to complain about "the bishop", "the archbishop" or (if he's really ham-handed with drawing a pint) "the pope". On the other hand, if you wish very little head on the pint, you could always ask for one in minor orders....

The ( :cheers: ) Curtmudgeon

[Mr. Tinkles]

I doubt it would help at all to mention that in Ireland (albeit a Roman Catholic country for the most part), a priest's collar is more often to be mentioned (not necessarily seen) in the pubs than anywhere else: It's a humourous description of the creamy head on a pint of Guinness Stout. If the barman cheats you by putting too much head on your pint, it's customary to complain about "the bishop", "the archbishop" or (if he's really ham-handed with drawing a pint) "the pope". On the other hand, if you wish very little head on the pint, you could always ask for one in minor orders....

The ( :cheers: ) Curtmudgeon

I remember my (notoriously tight) father's line at the pub. "Can you fit a whisky chaser in that", Barman: "Certainly sir" My father: "Well, put some more beer in then"