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Although the cassock was formerly the universal everyday clothing of the clergy, many, particularly in the west, have abandoned it as in favor of a clerical suit of more modern design. In current usage, wearing the cassock may be a mark of a traditional cleric, though in the Orthodox Church, even those who generally do not wear cassocks continue to wear them during the services.
==Eastern practice==
In Byzantine and Slavic practice there are two types of cassock: the inner cassock and the outer cassock or ''rason''. Monastics always wear black cassocks. There is no rule about coloration for non-monastic clergy, but black is the most common. Blue or grey are also seen frequently, while white is sometimes worn for [[Pascha]].
The cassock "symbolizes the death of a clergyman to this world, and his burial and subsequent dedication to God and his heavenly kingdom."<ref>[http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8049.asp "Cassock"] in ''A Dictionary of Orthodox Terminology</ref>
==Western practice==
There are two main kinds of cassocks in the Western Rite; the single breasted and the double breasted cassock.
===Single breasted cassock===
The '''single breasted cassock''' or '''soutane''' is a cassock with buttons down the front. This type of cassock is also worn by Roman Catholic priests, and comes in a number of styles or cuts, though no particular symbolism attaches to these. A Roman cassock often has a series of buttons down the front – sometimes thirty-three (symbolic of the years of the life of Jesus). A French cassock also has buttons sewn to the sleeves after the manner of a suit, and a slightly broader skirt. An Ambrosian cassock has a series of only five buttons under the neck, with a sash on the waist.
A band cincture or sash, known also as a fascia, may be worn with the cassock. The two ends that hang down by the side have silk fringes.
===Double breasted cassock===
The '''double breasted cassock''' or '''Sarum cassock''' fastens at the shoulders on the opposing side of the breast and at the waist with one concealed button. This type of cassock is also worn by Anglican priests.
==Source==
