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Sabanus

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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(σἀβανος, classical σάβανον, a linen cloth), a white cloth with which the infant was covered in baptism. This was an ancient practice. From the 4th century we find frequent mention of clothing the newly baptized in white garments. These garments, as emblems of purity, were delivered to them with a solemn charge to keep their robes of innocence unspotted till the day of Christ. The neophytes wore this dress from Easter eve until the Sunday after Easter, which was hence called Dominica in albis, that is, "the Sunday in white." This garment was usually made of white linen, but sometimes of more costly materials. (See ALB); (See CHRISOME).