Cappello Romano

By Crusader1307

Instantly identifed (especially in Europe), The ''Cappello Romano'' (or ''Roman Hat'') - is a component of Roman Catholic Clergy headwear. Dating to around the 17th Century AD, the Hat is a wide brimmed piece with a smaller top (rounded) crown. They are made of pressed (oftened silk covered for ''Upper Ranks'') felt. The primary design of the extra wide encircling brim was to prevent sun and heat from affecting it's Wearer. By the 1970s however, The ''Cappello'' would fall out of wide scale usage (due to The Church wishing to ''modernize'' it's appearance). Upper Ranking Clergy (Biships, Cardinals etc.) wear colored versions of The Cappello befitting Their Rank within The Church. Black is the standard color for a Priest to a Monseignor.