Fannon

/ˈfænən/ noun

Definition

In religious contexts, especially Catholic liturgy, a fannon (or fanon) is an ornamental cloth or vestment, particularly one worn over the shoulders or used in ceremonial dress.

Etymology

From Old French 'fanon,' possibly derived from Germanic roots. The term entered religious vocabulary to describe specific liturgical garments. Variant spelling 'fanon' is more common in modern usage.

Kelly Says

The fannon is a forgotten vestment that shows how much ceremonial complexity has vanished from modern church services—priests used to wear layers of special cloths for different parts of the Mass, and each one had a symbolic meaning that most modern Catholics would never recognize.

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