The decision of what (if anything) to wear during ritual ceremonies is highly individual, and raises an issue that, like most any other issue imaginable, may be hotly debated among modern druids.  Many who have come from other pagan traditions already feel comfortable with the subject, but for the newcomer, what to wear during ceremonies and how to go about making or obtaining ritual clothing can seem confusing or even downright intimidating.

What Did the Ancient Druids Wear?

Druids Cutting the Mistletoe

P.W. Joyce, in A Social History of Ancient Ireland, describes the druids as wearing white robes or tunics, based on notes by Tirechan about Rechrad the Druid of Amalgaid, and those in attendance with him when an attempt was made to kill Saint Patrick. 

Doubtless it is from these references that the druid revivalists drew their inspiration for the white-robed druid that is widely recognized today. 

However, other references point to other possibilities as well:  Eugene O'Curry, in Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish describes a druid named Tulchinne, who, during the reign of Conaire, wore a speckled white cloak.  In yet another reference, one translation of The Cattle-Raid of Cooley states that Cathbad the Druid wore a blue-purple cloak. 

OBOD traditionally recommends a white or natural-colored robe with a tabard, belt, plaid, or other colored article of clothing denoting one's grade:  blue for Bards, green for Ovates, and white or gold for Druids.  This is not only symbolic but also practical; a single robe can then be used regardless of one's grade of study.  However, like everything else involved in OBOD culture, this is hardly a mandate.  Uniformity is not required; in fact, many modern druids choose not to dress any differently for rituals than they do during their every-day lives. 

Then What's the Point?

Then why wear ritual clothing at all?  There are a number of reasons an individual may choose to do this.

The Circle of the Crystal Grove (www.cotcg.com) is an eclectic pagan group that has a wonderful page on Ritual Clothing.  COTCG states:  "The choice of our ritual clothing serves as an indicator of who and what we are, where we are in our spiritual path and how we choose to exhibit this." 

Many individuals - especially those seeking a feeling of community - choose to adopt a style of ritual clothing similar to the community they wish to identify with.  This is not a new idea.  Throughout history people have worn clothing that identified them with their family, clan, tribe, profession, and religious beliefs.  This did not mean they lost their individual identities; we aren't talking Gestapo uniformity.  But dressing in a way that identifies us with our community helps not only to establish that feeling of relatedness, but also is a way for others to identify who we are. 

Imagine the joy in walking into a room full of strangers and recognizing a member of your "extended family" because they are wearing the tartan of your forefathers or other symbolic clothing.

But there is more to ritual clothing than simply identifying our path or our heritage.  Ritual works on the unconscious mind through symbols and physical actions which include preparation - and donning special symbolic clothing in preparation for entering sacred space and time is, for some, an important part of the process.  Additionally, it helps to create a magical atmosphere for others who are participating in or observing the ceremony.

However, some druids feel they don't need to dress differently to prepare themselves mentally for a ritual.  They feel that it is somehow "artificial," and that simply being who you are is all that matters.  That's okay too.  Many people choose to adorn themselves with tattoos instead of ritual clothing - a kind of permanent ritual attire.  You can visit our "Tattoo Page" to learn more.

The important thing to remember is that when participating in a group ceremony, consider whether your choice of dress will distract from the ritual itself, or make others feel uncomfortable.   While creating a magical and dramatic atmosphere can enhance any ritual or ceremony (just as a wedding or other life milestone is enhanced by the accoutrements of the participants and the decorations), we are not trying to create a negative impression or cause a scene.  Remembering the purpose for the ceremony, who will be present, and honoring the intent should provide adequate guidance as to what is appropriate and what is not.

A Word about Fabrics

The material from which your ritual attire is made is another personal option, limited only by your imagination and your pocketbook.  It may be a good idea, if you are just beginning to consider a ritual garment, to choose something less expensive to start with.  Your feelings about ritual wear will no doubt change as you progress on your path.  If you want something special to wear during ritual but feel you cannot afford a costly investment, something as simple as a scarf or shawl can be just as powerful as a full-length robe or cloak.  The important thing is that it speaks to you; that it has meaning for you.

There are some other things to consider in choosing fabrics for ritual clothing.  If you are going to be spending a lot of time in meditation outdoors, nature-watching, or the like, raw silk and wool make no noise when moving.  Linens resist soil but tend to wrinkle.  Synthetic fabrics, while less expensive, may be made in ways that are not environmentally-friendly.

Also consider when and where you will be wearing your garment.  A scarf or shawl can be worn over summer or winter clothing; but a full-length wool cloak may not be ideal if you are going to be doing ritual work in the summer in a hot inland valley.  Likewise, if you will be outdoors in inclement weather, you may want to consider something that will keep you warmer and repel moisture. 

Pattern Pointers

Suitable patterns for ritual garments can be found at any local fabric shop, and also online.  Most costume robes will fit a range of sizes and are very forgiving of figure flaws and sewing screw-ups.  Here are some things to think about when looking for a pattern:

    · Wide, flowing sleeves, while showy, could be a problem when working around candles and fire
    · Belt loops are not usually a feature on costume robe patterns, but may be added for the individual without a waist
    · Pockets are also not commonly found on costume robes, but can be added for easy access to whatever stuff one feels they need to carry around.  (Another option that some choose is to wear purses or pouches attached to their belts.)

It's possible to make a ritual robe even if you don't know how to sew! Visit this link for instructions: http://members.tripod.com/~onespiritx/craft14.htm

In Conclusion

The bottom line is that ritual wear is primarily a matter of choice and preference.  Once more quoting from COTCG:  "Rituals are more about your state of mind than anything else.  It's about the awareness of sacredness in all that is around you and being responsive to that sacredness.  Wear whatever you need to feel sacred…be wherever you need to be so that you can feel the connection with the Universe."