Agalero (plural:galeri; fromLatin:galērum, originally connoting ahelmet made ofskins; cf.galea) is a broad-brimmedhat with tasselated strings which was worn byclergy in theCatholic Church. Over the centuries, the redgalero was restricted to use by individualcardinals while such other colors as black, green and violet were reserved to clergy of otherranks and styles.
When creating a cardinal, thepope used to place a scarletgalero on the new cardinal's head during thepapal consistories, the practice giving rise to the phrase "receiving the red hat." In 1969,Pope Paul VI issued a decree ending the use of thegalero.[1] Since that time, only the scarletzucchetto andbiretta are placed over the heads of cardinals during thepapal consistory. Some cardinals continue to obtain agalero privately so that the custom of suspending it over their tombs may be observed.Raymond Cardinal Burke has been known to publicly wear thegalero on occasion in the 21st century.[2]
A few cardinals fromEastern Catholicsui iuris Churches don their distinctive headdresses particular to the Churches. Other ecclesiastical hats are used by ministers of other Christian communities. Alongside Catholic clergy, the Scots Public Register records its use by Episcopal and Presbyterian ministers. TheModerator of the General Assembly of theChurch of Scotland uses a black hat, with blue cords and ten tassels.
Traditionally, thegalero hangs over a cardinal's tomb until it is reduced to dust, symbolizing how all earthly glory is passing. In a cathedral that has nocrypt, thegaleri are suspended from the ceiling. For example, following the death ofBasil Cardinal Hume,Archbishop of Westminster, in 1999, his relatives had agalero installed above his tomb inWestminster Cathedral, alongside those of his predecessors.[citation needed]
The privilege of wearing the redgalero was first granted to cardinals byPope Innocent IV in 1245 at theFirst Council of Lyon.[3][4] Tradition in theArchdiocese of Lyon is that the red color was inspired by the red hats of thecanons of Lyon.[5] Pope Innocent wanted his favorites to be distinct and recognizable in the lengthy processions at the council.[6]
Anachronistically, some earlyChurch Fathers are shown wearing agalero, notablySaint Jerome frequently is pictured in art either wearing a galero, or with one close by.[4] Even though the office of cardinal did not exist in Jerome's day, he had been secretary toPope Damasus I, which in later days would have made him a cardinalex officio.
CardinalJean Cholet used hisgalero to crownCharles of Valois in 1285 atGirona during theAragonese Crusade, pronouncing himKing of Aragon. As a result,roi du chapeau ("king of the hat") became Charles's nickname.
The use of thegalero was abolished in 1969 with instructionUt sive sollicite.[7]
The galero continues to appear today inecclesiastical heraldry as part of the achievement of thecoat of arms of an armigerous Catholic cleric. The galero was originally a wide-brimmedpilgrim's hat, like a sombrero.[8] The ecclesiastical hat replaced thehelmet andcrest, because those were considered too belligerent for men in the clerical estate.[9]
The color of the hat and number of tassels indicate the cleric's place in the hierarchy. Generally, priests, abbots and ministers have a black hat with cords and tassels, the number depending upon their rank. Bishops generally use a green hat with green cords and six green tassels on each side, archbishops have likewise a green hat with green cords and ten green tassels on each side, and cardinals have a red hat with red cords and fifteen red tassels on each side. Depiction in arms can vary greatly depending on the artist's style.[9]
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