maniple

maniple, a liturgical vestment of limited use in Roman Catholicism consisting of a narrow silk band worn over the left forearm, with ends hanging down on each side. The maniple has largely fallen out of liturgical use following the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, but is still sometimes used by clergy when celebrating a traditional Latin mass. Maniples have varied in size, ranging from about two to four inches wide and three to five feet long, and were sometimes heavily embroidered. Each maniple is the same color as the major vestments worn on the occasion. It is a symbol of work and service.

The maniple was probably derived from a handkerchief or table napkin used by Romans, which evolved into a ceremonial napkin (mappa) worn by high Roman officials. In the church it was a functional napkin used during the liturgy until the 9th century, when it began changing gradually into a decorative band, which was universally accepted by the 12th century.