Liturgical Vestments I

There's a great interview from Ancient Faith Radio about vestments, hosted by Frederica Matthewes-Greene. I found it interesting.

 
Eastern Rite: Sticherion

This is the basic liturgical vestment, and is essentially the baptismal garment. It is long and narrow, reaching near the ankles, and it usually fastens beneath the neck. Its material and appearance depend upon how it is used, or rather, by whom it is used.

Acolytes wear the sticharion as an outer garment. As such it is ornamented to some extent, usually with a cross attached to the back between the shoulders.



Subdeacons and Deacons also wear the sticharion as an outer garment. Again it is ornamented, often more than that of the acolyte sticharion, and may be of the color of the day. The sides are tailored open but held closed by decorative buttons or bands of brocade. Traditionally the use of the sticharion in this fashion is called the dalmatikon (i.e. dalmatic).

Priests and Bishops wear the sticharion as a garment under their other vestments. It's made more simply, usually of white or gold (though I've seen other colors to match the outer vestments). 






Western Rite: Alb

Literally it means "white thing." It doesn't have the variety of color and design that one finds in the Eastern Rite; it's usually just white, with minimal adornment (though apparels have been added for decoration at times).

Acolytes usually don't wear the alb in my experience. Rather they wear cassock with cotta or surplice.

Subdeacons and Deacons do seem to wear the alb, over which the tunicle or dalmatic is worn. Unlike the Eastern Rite, these have become garments separate from the alb.

Priests and Bishops wear the plain alb beneath their other Eucharistic vestments.

The alb is normally worn with an amice (band of cloth around the neck to protect against sweat) and a cincture (a simple belt to keep things together).