To know the meaning of scapular we are going to proceed, first of all, to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can determine that it is a word that derives from Latin, exactly from “scapularium”, which is the result of the sum of the following lexical components:
-The noun “scapula”, which can be translated as “back” or “shoulder”.
-The suffix “-ary”, which is used to indicate relationship or belonging.
It is a term that is used in our language to refer to a garment used by religious orders as a badge.
The scapular has an opening through which the religious inserts his head. The cloth, in this way, hangs over the back (the scapŭla ) and the chest of the individual. It can be said that the scapular is part of the habit .
The Dominicans, the Trinitarians, the Benedictines, the Mercedarians and the Carmelites are some of the congregations that use the scapular. The fabric allows us to symbolize the yoke of Jesus Christ .
The Catholic Church recognizes almost twenty monastic scapulars. There are blue, brown, black, red and white scapulars, for example. When wearing the scapular, the minister always keeps in mind the principles and duties of his order .
In addition to the monastic scapular (the aforementioned garment), there is another type of scapular: the devotional scapular . It is a derivation of the cloth scapular that is considered a devotional object.
The devotional scapular is made up of two pieces of fabric that are joined together by ribbons. This allows the religious to place the scapular on his neck .
Lastly, it is also called a scapular, a devotional practice that is developed to honor the Virgin of Carmen . This ritual consists of praying the Lord's Prayer, the Gloria Patri and the Hail Mary seven times.
The scapular of Carmen , as a garment, is part of the habit of the Carmelite order. Possibly this scapular was the origin of the rest of the fabrics used by other groups .
Other curious and interesting facts about the scapular are the following:
-Originally it is considered that it was used by different monks as an apron with the clear objective of not getting their tunic dirty when they carried out different tasks that could cause that situation.
-Over the years they also established themselves as items that were also used by people of faith who were not monks or similar. So much so that Pope John XXII established, through a bull, that those who wore a scapular would be freed upon their death from the different penalties that could be imposed on them in purgatory.
-The Carmen scapular must be noted that not only is it sacramental but it is determined that those who wear it are indicating that they place God in their lives first, that they regularly participate in the different sacraments of the Church and that they seek to achieve communion. with God through what prayer is.
-Currently, although there are other materials, most scapulars are made with fabric.