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History of the Scapular

Most often when we hear the word scapular, we think of a scapular in its most recognizable form, a small necklace of sorts constructed from two wool patches of cloth.  Scapulars, however, originated from the habit of monastic orders and started off as a work apron.  From this “apron” developed a special monastic garment to be worn by specific religious orders.  The scapular, in its original form, was often referred to as jugum Christi, or the yoke of Christ, and was even worn at bedtime.  A scapular worn in this way is a large piece of cloth that covers the individual from shoulder to shoulder and hangs down as far as the ankles, with an opening in the center for the head. 

During the early Middle Ages, the laity began to associate themselves with various monastic orders and formed Confraternities, secular oblates that would receive the scapular to wear upon death, as a sign of great honor.  Eventually, this tradition transformed into the small sacramental scapulars of today that are worn daily under or over regular clothing as an open sign of devotion.  The four oldest scapulars originated from four confraternities, the Carmelites, Servites, Trinitarians, and the Mercederians.  Today there are many more kinds of scapulars, and not all of them associated with a particular confraternity. 

The original and most common scapular is the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Given by Our Lady herself to the Carmelite friar, St. Simon Stock, with special promises to its wearers, the brown scapular is a sign of devotion and personal consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary, placing oneself under her mantle of protection.