Thealb (from the Latinalbus, meaning "white") is one of the liturgical vestments ofWestern Christianity. It is an ample white garment coming down to the ankles and is usually girdled with acincture (a type of belt, sometimes of rope similar to the type used with a monastic habit, such as byFranciscans and Capuchins). It resembles the long, white linentunic used by ancient Romans.
As a simple derivative of ordinary first-century clothing, the alb was adopted very early by Christians, and especially by the clergy for theEucharistic liturgy. In early-medieval Europesecular clergy also normally wore the alb in non-liturgical contexts.[1]
Nowadays, the alb is the common vestment for all ministers, bothclerics and laypersons (acolytes and lectors),[2] atMass. It is worn over thecassock, but underneath any other special vestments, such as thestole,dalmatic orchasuble. If the alb does not completely cover the collar, anamice is often worn underneath the alb. Shortening of the alb has given rise to thesurplice, and to its cousin therochet, worn bycanons andbishops. Following theCouncil of Trent (1545-1563), post-Tridentine albs often featuredliturgical lace. Since then, this detail has fallen out of style, except in parts of theAnglo-Catholic movement[citation needed] and in some very traditional Arab Catholic parishes.[3]
The alb corresponds to the Eastern Orthodoxsticharion.
Achasuble-alb is a contemporary Eucharistic vestment that combines features of thechasuble and alb. In theRoman Catholic Church, it was first adopted in France, though without official approval. In France it is no longer fashionable, but it has been officially approved in some tropical countries such as thePhilippines,[4] and inHawaii in theUnited States.[5] It is always white in colour. Astole of the colour appointed for theMass of the day is worn outside it, in place of the normal white alb and coloured chasuble.
Acassock-alb is a vestment that combines features of thecassock and alb. It developed as a more convenient undergarment worn by clergy and as an alternative to the alb for deacons andacolytes.[citation needed]
Genuflections, lace albs and surplices, etc., are common.
