The Garment of Night: Cultural History Black Clothing

Why did monks wear black robes? Why are ninjas still associated with the color black? Why did judges' robes, mourning clothes, and elegant suits all become dark?This book tells the fascinating cultural history of a color that has accompanied humanity for thousands of years. From the earliest civilizations through monasteries, courtrooms, and royal courts to the modern world, it follows the people who wore black-out of faith, duty, authority, mourning, or the desire to remain unseen.In doing so, it becomes far more than a history of clothing. It is a journey through religion, society, history, and culture, revealing how a single color acquired new meanings across the centuries and became one of humanity's most enduring symbols.A philosophical and cultural history of the black garment-and of what clothing reveals about the human condition.