Relay Column: It's Not a “Uniform”? What Members of Clergy Wear (Koure Makita)

There are various "uniforms" associated with occupations in our world. For example, police officers, nurses, and firefighters all have distinct outfits. Perhaps the suits worn by so-called “salarymen” could also be considered a type of uniform.

Now, what about the robes of priests (Kannushi) at shrines or the Kasaya worn by monks at temples? Some people might hesitate to classify them as "uniforms." I personally might not be able to answer with a simple YES.

This hesitation comes from the fact that religious figures, known as "clergy" [1], hold a somewhat different, "special" and "sacred" image compared to conventional professions. This distinction might make us feel a strong connection between their attire and their body, making it challenging to categorize them as simply "uniforms." In reality, while the attire of Kannushi and monks has undergone changes since modern times and varies based on country and region, it carries historical significance and is closely tied to religious norms and culture. The desire of young individuals to wear the white robes and red hakama as part-time Miko (shrine maidens) during New Year's celebrations may stem from an awareness of this context. Hence, it seems that both the clergy and those around them recognize that what clergy wear differs significantly from "uniforms" that represent a profession or status.