I learned somthing new tonight and was hoping ya'll could answer some questions I have.
While dearching for modest Jewish clothing tonight, I came across a website selling LDS Temple clothing. I'm curious what is the purpose behind this clothing, besides the obvious of modesty. Why does it have to be all white? Or can it be other colors? If it required for both men and women? What about kids? Any head coverings involved?
I'm not sure exactly how to answer you because I'm thinking of several possible meanings for "temple clothing."
1. Once a member of the Church has been through the temple to receive his endowment (this involves both instruction and the making of sacred covenants with God), he is to wear special underwear at all times. This underwear is called "the temple garment." Its purpose is to serve as a constant reminder of the covenants we made in the temple. It's almost always white and there are several approved styles, all of which require that they be worn with modest clothing. (I say "almost always white" because there is a khaki version for servicemen.)
2. While in the temple, men and woman dress completely in white, right down to the shoes and socks. White is a symbol of purity. This clothing can be pretty much any style as long as it conforms to some basic requirements. For women, it's generally a long sleeved, ankle-length dress but beyond that, there are no really specific requirements. For men, it's most often just a white shirt and white pants (along with, what else? a white belt).
3. Finally, there is some symbolic clothing worn only in the temple when participating in the ceremonies (rituals, rites, etc.). It's not worn outside of the temple, so most people other than Mormons never see it. Most practicing Mormons who have received their endowments will, however, be buried the clothing described in item #2, and wearing this symbolic clothing as well. If a non-Mormon were to attend an LDS funeral and the viewing prior to the funeral, he would likely see the deceased wearing his temple clothing. This does include a head covering.
The only time children go to the temple is when their parents are "sealed" after having initially been married in a civil (i.e. non-temple) ceremony. When a couple gets married in the temple, all children born to them are considered to be "born in the covenant," meaning that the parent-child relationship will extend beyond the grave. When a couple gets married anywhere other than in the temple (whether it be in a church, a judge's chambers or on the beach), the children born to them are believed to be theirs only until death. If, however, a couple who was not initially married (i.e. "sealed") in the temple chooses to later go to the temple to receive this ordinance, any children that they have at that time accompany them and are sealed to them. The children would wear white, but their are no restrictions other than the color. Any future children would be considered to be born in the covenant.
Does that help?
