Stole: A stole was a long Greek or Roman upper garment something like a shawl. In liturgical use, the stole was adapted from a neck cloth that was a sign of office in Roman imperial. When the clergy were given benefits of similar rank, after the Empire became Christian, they adopted and adapted this scarf as a symbol of ecclesial office. Today, the stole (from two to six inches wide and about eighty inches long) represents someone who has been ordained. A priest or bishop wears the stole over both shoulders and hanging down in front. The color of the stole usually matches the liturgical color of other vestments worn for the day or occasion.
