The Tradition, Book One
Reverend Chung Hwan Kwak
Chapter 18
Holy Robes
History
A spiritual medium received in a vision that Holy Robes were the
customary dress in the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, the first Holy
Robes were made according to the specific style received in this
vision.
For several special prayer ceremonies, white robes were used before
the 36 Couple Blessing.
The couples blessed in the 36, 72, and 124 Couple Blessings wore Holy
Robes.
Significance
The Holy Robes (referred to as Yae Bok) are formal ceremonial clothes
and they symbolically purify us externally. Blessed members should
cultivate a more holy feeling and attitude when wearing these special
robes.
Standard of Holy Robes
As there are many occasions on which blessed couples should wear their
Holy Robes, all couples should obtain their own Holy Robes.
The term "Holy Robe" refers to the robe itself as well as to the
Korean-style garments worn underneath.
Robes
Holy Robes should be made according to a standard pattern (refer to
diagrams 18.1 and 18.2) and be made of pure white cloth with white
decoration. A belt of the same white cloth should also be worn
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Figure 18-1
18.1. Holy Robe
18.2. Belt
on the outer robe; it can be decorated with simulated pearls, a
fringe, or small beads. The beads can be either white or another color
(for example, green or yellow for men, and pink for women). No exact
number of beads has been set; however, if it is possible, it would be
best to use a providentially significant number of beads.
Color and Material
All garments, including undergarments and socks, should be white.
Many types of material, with either a shiny or matte finish, are
appropriate for making Holy Robes. The material may be either heavy or
light depending on the weight of the material of the Korean-style or
alternate garments to be worn underneath. There can be a subtle
pattern on the material such as flowers, cranes, etc.
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Korean-style Garments
Korean-style garments (see diagrams 18.3 and 18.4) for both men and
women represent the worldwide standard of clothing to be worn
underneath the Holy Robes: for women, a chima choguri, for men, ba ji
jogori (pants which tie at the ankles, a jacket, and a vest). In
addition, men may choose to wear an inner white Korean robe (diagram
18.5) only on very formal occasions.
Alternate Clothing.
If it is impossible to obtain the Korean-style garments, men should
wear a white shirt, pants, belt, tie, and socks. Women may wear their
wedding dress (Western) or, if possible, a full length, all-white
dress.
Figure 18-3
18.3. Chima choguti, for women
Gloves
White gloves are to be worn in use with the Holy Robes at Holy Day
celebration services, Blessings, Seung Hwa Ceremonies, and, if
possible, for the Three and Eight Day Ceremonies, as well as for
special Pledge services.
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Figure 18-4
18.4 Ba ji jogori, for men
Figure 18-3
18.5. Inner white Korean robe
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Undergarments Worn with Holy Robes
All undergarments including socks must be white.
It is not necessary for blessed members to purchase special under-
garments to be used exclusively for the occasions on which they wear
their Holy Robes.
Lost or Stolen Clothing.
If a member's clothing (e.g., undergarments, gloves, socks) is lost or
stolen, the item(s) should simply be replaced.
Wearing Holy Robes
Diagrams 18.6 to 18.9 indicate how to tie the sashes on the Korean
style garments.
Occasions to Wear Holy Robes
Holy Day Celebration Service
On Holy Days, blessed members may wear Holy Robes. Blessed members
should definitely use the robes if they are attending a main Holy Day
Celebration service with True Parents or their representatives.
However, if desired, blessed members may wear Holy Robes during any
Holy Day celebration prayer service (local level, state level, or
national level), especially if blessed members gather for a special
blessed members' Pledge service.
Each item of clothing worn on such occasions must be completely white.
It is not permissible on this occasion for a man to wear his Blessing
suit under his Holy Robe. If he does not have the Korean style
clothing, he should obtain and wear items listed under Alternate
Clothing, this chapter.
Three Day Ceremony
The Holy Robes (and Korean-style garments) are traditionally worn for
the Three Day Ceremony (or the ceremony to begin married life).
Eight Day Dedication Ceremony
The robes are traditionally worn for the Eight Day Dedication Ceremony
of each new child.
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Figure 18-6
18.6. How to tie the belt of the ba ji jogori
Figure 18-7
18 7. How to tie the ankle sashes of the ba ji jogori
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Figure 18-8
18.8. How to tie the sash of the chima choguri
40-Day and 100-Day Celebrations
Holy Robes may be worn if parents choose to hold either a 40 or 100
day celebration (both are optional) for their child.
Pledge Service
Blessed members may choose to use their Holy Robes during any Pledge
services, but this is optional.
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Figure 18-9
18.9. How to tie the belt of the Holy Robe
All blessed members may wear Holy Robes to Pledge service. Engaged
couples, however, should wait until after the Blessing ceremony before
participating in this tradition.
Special Celebration with True Parents
If a blessed member is invited to a special celebration with True
Parents or the True Family, such as a Blessing of the True Children,
it may be appropriate to wear Holy Robes.
Seung Hwa Ceremony and Burial
Blessed members will be buried in their Holy Robes.
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Care of Holy Robes
Each couple will use the Holy Robes (including the Korean-style
garments) on numerous occasions throughout their lives; therefore,
these garments should be kept carefully and should be cleaned if they
become soiled.
Borrowing Holy Robes
If blessed members are invited to attend a Holy Day celebration
service (i.e., with True Parents or their representatives) and did not
bring their Holy Robes, it is permissible to borrow another blessed
member's Holy Robes and white clothing (whether Korean-style garments
or alternate clothing, listed in the previous section).
Receiving or Purchasing New Holy Robes
If a blessed member purchases or is given a new Holy Robe, he or she
may keep the old one and use it as an alternate.
Reblessing
In the event of a reblessing, the blessed member will probably want to
obtain a new Holy Robe, particularly if the old one was ever worn.
Holy Robes for Blessed Children
As blessed children are constantly growing, there is no specific age
at which they should begin to wear Holy Robes. However, one suggestion
would be to prepare a Holy Robe for a child who is old enough to
appreciate its significance.
Parents may bestow the gift of their Holy Robes (one used as an
alternate) to one of their children at such a time.