= Day (before 6 p.m.) = Evening (after 6 p.m.) The cassock or soutane is a Christian clerical clothing coat used by the clergy of the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, in addition to certain Protestant denominations such as Anglicans and Lutherans.

When did Catholic priests start wearing cassocks?

In the Church of England the cassock, which with the gown is prescribed by a canon of 1604 as the canonical dress of the clergy, has been worn by the clergy since the Reformation.

What does a cassock symbolize?

Some churches may outfit their choirs with cassocks. A cassock, which is also known as a soutane, is an item of clothing that is traditionally worn by members of the clergy. It is a long robe that reaches to the ankles. ... The 33 buttons found on some Roman Catholic cassocks symbolize the years of Jesus' life.