Skufia

A skufia (also skufiya or skoufos) is an item of clerical clothing worn by Orthodox Christian and Eastern Catholic monastics (in which case it is black ) or awarded to clergy as a mark of honor (in which case it is usually red or purple). It is a soft-sided brimless cap whose top may be pointed (Russian style)The Russian-style skufia is traditionally pulled down so that it covers the top of the ears. This is practical, to keep out the cold; but it also has a symbolic practice, reminding the monk not to listen to gossip. , flat and pleated (Greek style) ), or flat with raised edges (Romanian style) . Typically, monastics receives their skufia either when they first become a novice or when they are tonsured . A monk or nun who has been tonsured to the Great Schema will wear a skoufia that has been embroidered with prayers, crosses, and figures of seraphim . 
High-ranking bishops (such as Archbishops and Metropolitans) will sometimes wear a black or purple skufia with a small jewelled cross on informal occasions . A nun will sometimes wear a skufia over her monastic veil ; while monks often wear the skufia (without a veil) when the klobuk or epanokamelavkion might get in the way of work.
==Notes==
==References==
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==External links==
*Monk wearing Russian-style skufia
*Monks wearing Greek-style skufias
*Schemamonk in embroidered skufia
*Pictures of skufias, information and literature in German language
Category:Hats
Category:Eastern Christian vestments
Category:Religious vesture
es:Skufia
he:סקופיה (לבוש נוצרי)
pl:Skufia
ru:Скуфья
sr:Скуфија
fi:Skufia