High Priest's Garments
The high priest, at the time of Jesus, is the highest religious authority in Judaism. He is the heir of the Aaronic lineage, presides over the Temple Worship in Jerusalem, offers the most solemn sacrifices — notably that of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) —, during which he alone would enter the Holy of Holies to offer the atonement sacrifice for the people. He exercises a decisive influence within the Sanhedrin as seen in the Trial of Jesus. Under Roman rule, his function retains major spiritual prestige, but its exercise is closely monitored by the political power, which can appoint or remove him.
In Maria Valtorta
Home of the young Mary at the Temple
"There he is at the threshold. Forward, he who was to be the High Priest[1]. A solemn old man, dressed in very fine linen and over this first garment a shorter tunic, also of linen, and over that a kind of chasuble, something intermediate between the chasuble and the deacons' robe, multicolored: purple and gold, violet and white alternate and shine like gems in the sun; two real gems above all that shine even more brightly at shoulder height. These might be loops with their precious settings. On the chest, a large plaque all sparkling with gems supported by a gold chain. Pendants and other ornaments shine at the bottom of the short tunic and gold bursts forth on the forehead at the top of a headdress reminding me of that of Eastern Orthodox priests, their miter rounded instead of pointed like that of Catholics[2]."In Maria Valtorta, the young Mary is presented at the Temple forty days after her birth according to tradition. It is the Purification of Anne, her mother. But on the same day, she is also consecrated to the Temple (EMV 6). This consecration becomes effective at three years old (EMV 8). It is a fragment of this scene that is reported here.
In Judaism
The garments of the High Priest were codified in the book of Exodus chapter 28 which notably codifies the colors found in Maria Valtorta’s description."You shall make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to be his glory and splendour. And you shall speak to all the skilled persons whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom and tell them to make Aaron’s garments, that he may be consecrated and serve me as priest. These are the garments they shall make: breastpiece (Rational), ephod, robe, embroidered tunic, turban, sash." (Exodus 28:2-4).The Rational (mentioned several times in Maria Valtorta’s work) was a square pouch held on the chest by golden rings at the four corners and enriched with twelve precious stones meticulously described in the Book of Exodus. On this breastpiece were embroidered the words “Doctrine and Truth.” This pouch contained the Urim and Thummim which were used to determine God's will by casting these lots (perhaps bones). "You shall put in the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; they shall be on Aaron’s heart when he enters before the Lord: Aaron shall carry the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart continually before the Lord" (Exodus 28:30).
The Ephod was a chasuble or surplice, also described in detail. It is also mentioned several times in Maria Valtorta’s work.
This ensemble was detailed by Saint Jerome in his work "Explanation of the Ceremonies of the Old Law and the Clothing of the Priests" (Sacred Critique). He describes:
- The breeches or michenese.
- The linen robe or chetoutet.
- The belt or abnet.
- The tiara or mirnepheht.
- The tunic or meil.
- The chasuble or ephod.
- The breastplate or rational.
- The diadem.