An "Arma Christi" Chasuble from Poland

As we approach Lent, it seemed a good time to share a chasuble I recently came across which flows from an interesting tradition that we have shown here on more than one occasion; it is a violet chasuble which shows the "Arma Christi" -- or instruments of the Passion.

We have shown other examples here before, including in rose and white, and this particular example hails from Poland. It would appear to come from the 19th century.

The symbolism of such chasubles is extremely rich and catechetical of course. Rather than simply leave it at this view, let's take a look at the various symbols found on the back of the chasuble.

The Veil of Veronica

The ladder used for the deposition, the lance which pierced the side of Christ, and the sponge by which Christ was offered vinegar and gall on the Cross.

The scourges and the pillar by which Christ was scourged; the cock which crowed after the betrayal of Christ by St. Peter

Christ's seamless garment, the dice by which lots were cast for it, and the thirty pieces of silver by which he was betrayed

The reed placed in Christ's hand during his mockery and the lanterns used by the soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane

The Cross itself and the serpent of the Staff of Moses

The pincers which were used to remove the nails

One of the more unique inclusions in this particular instance comes by way of a symbol that is more usually associated with Easter: the Lamb. Of course, the Lamb itself has sacrificial symbolism and is thus perfectly appropriate as an inclusion here, but it also gives a nod to the fact that through the Passion we look toward the triumph of the Resurrection.