Holy Underwear

The term “holy underwear” is indeed a colloquial reference to the temple garments worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). These garments are deeply symbolic and serve as a physical representation of the sacred covenants that individuals make during their temple ceremonies. Here’s a more detailed look at the practice:

What are Temple Garments?

Temple garments are a set of undergarments worn by adult members of the LDS Church who have participated in the endowment ceremony at the temple. This ceremony is a key part of LDS teachings and is seen as a significant milestone in a member’s spiritual journey, often occurring at the time of a person’s mission or just prior to marriage in the temple.

Spiritual Significance:

Sacred Covenants: The garments symbolize the covenants made during the endowment ceremony, which are considered promises between the individual and God. These covenants emphasize the principles of faith, chastity, and charity, among others.
Protection and Remembrance: Members believe the garments offer spiritual protection and act as a constant reminder of their devotion to God and the covenants they’ve made. The garment is meant to help individuals focus on living in a way that honors those promises.
Symbolism of Modesty: The garment also has a practical role in promoting modesty. Its design and the way it is worn are intended to help individuals dress modestly and maintain a sense of humility and reverence in their everyday lives.

Physical Features:

Design: The garments are typically made of cotton or a cotton-blend fabric, though there are different styles and materials available. The design has evolved over time, but it typically covers the body more fully than regular undergarments.
Worn Under Clothing: Members are instructed to wear the temple garment under their regular clothing at all times, with the exception of certain circumstances such as swimming, bathing, or sleeping. The idea is that the garment should be worn as a consistent reminder of their faith, regardless of where they are or what they are doing.

Respect for the Garment:

Sacredness: Temple garments are treated with great reverence by members of the LDS Church. They are viewed as sacred, and it is considered disrespectful to talk about them casually or in a mocking way.
Proper Disposal: If the garments become worn out or damaged, members are instructed not to simply throw them away. Instead, they are asked to dispose of them respectfully by cutting them into pieces or burning them, ensuring that they are treated with dignity.

Misunderstandings and Stereotypes:

Because temple garments are not widely understood outside the LDS Church, the term “holy underwear” is often used in a humorous or mocking way by those unfamiliar with the garments’ spiritual significance. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about their true role in a member’s religious life.

While the garments themselves are a source of comfort, connection to faith, and identity for believers, their role can be misrepresented when viewed purely through an external, non-spiritual lens. It’s always important to approach discussions about religious practices like this with respect for the beliefs of others.

Let’s dive deeper into the temple garments worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). These garments hold great spiritual and symbolic significance, and there are several important aspects to understand about them:

Origin of Temple Garments:

The practice of wearing temple garments dates back to the early days of the LDS Church. They were first introduced by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, during the 1840s after he received a revelation regarding the endowment ceremony. The garments were initially created as a way to provide outward symbols of the covenants members had made with God.

Over time, the garments have evolved in design, but their sacred nature has remained consistent. Today, they are seen as a tangible representation of the commitment and promises made in the temple.

Endowment Ceremony:

The endowment ceremony, where members receive their temple garments, is a key rite of passage within the LDS faith. This sacred ordinance, often done when members are at least 18 years old (usually when they are preparing for a mission or marriage), involves a series of covenants made between the individual and God.

Covenants Made: During the endowment ceremony, individuals covenant to live a life of virtue, obedience, and service to God and others. The garments serve as a constant reminder of these promises.
Spiritual Protection: Many members believe that the garments symbolize protection—spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. The garment is considered a shield against the temptations of the world, a way to maintain purity and focus on spiritual matters.
Sacred Symbols: The garments feature small symbolic markings that represent the covenants and promises made in the temple. These symbols are typically hidden under clothing and are not openly discussed outside the temple. They are considered highly sacred.

Wearing the Garment:

Daily Practice: Members who have received the temple endowment are asked to wear the garment day and night. This practice helps keep them spiritually focused, as it serves as a constant reminder of their sacred relationship with God and the covenants they have made.
Modesty: The garment is designed to be modest, providing coverage that encourages humility in the way one dresses and lives. In this way, it helps members cultivate modesty in their day-to-day lives.

Spiritual and Personal Significance:

The garment is more than just an article of clothing for many members of the LDS Church. It is considered a personal and spiritual companion—a sacred item that helps them live out their covenants. Here’s why it’s considered so meaningful:

Symbol of Identity: The garment serves as a visible and personal marker of one’s spiritual identity. Members feel it helps them to live in alignment with the teachings of Jesus Christ and their faith.
Encourages Constant Reverence: Having a physical reminder in the form of the garment encourages the individual to maintain a high level of reverence and commitment to their faith throughout their daily life.
Protective Role: The garment is thought to offer spiritual protection, helping members stay focused on their spiritual path and avoid temptation. Many also see it as a symbol of God’s watchful care over them.

Cultural Practices Around the Garment:

Respect: Temple garments are not just considered “underwear” but rather are treated with utmost reverence. It is considered deeply disrespectful to mock or speak irreverently about the garment. Because of its sacred nature, members do not usually talk about the garment openly and prefer to keep it private.
Garment Disposal: When the garment wears out or is no longer usable, members are encouraged to dispose of it in a respectful manner. The recommended methods include cutting the garment into pieces or burning it, ensuring that it does not end up in a trash can or discarded carelessly.
Caring for the Garment: Members are encouraged to care for their garments by keeping them clean, well-kept, and in good condition. This reflects the reverence with which they view the garment and the sacred nature of their covenants.

Misunderstandings and Respect for Beliefs:

Because the temple garments are not commonly worn outside of the LDS faith, there can often be misunderstandings about them. The term “holy underwear” is sometimes used humorously or derisively by those who don’t understand the sacred significance of the garment. However, within the LDS community, it is important to treat the garment with respect—it’s not merely underwear, but a deeply meaningful and sacred piece of clothing tied to an individual’s spiritual commitments.

There can sometimes be tension when discussing the garment outside the faith because those unfamiliar with its role might trivialize it, leading to hurt feelings among those who consider it sacred. Therefore, it’s important to approach conversations about the garment with sensitivity and respect for religious practices.

Influence of the Garment on LDS Life:

Symbol of Commitment: Wearing the garment can be seen as an outward expression of an inner commitment to God and faith. It’s not just about adhering to a rule—it’s a personal symbol of one’s covenant relationship.
Private but Visible: Though temple garments are worn under clothing and are not typically visible, they are an integral part of daily life. Many members wear them under their clothes at all times, even in situations where their appearance is otherwise unremarkable.

The garment represents a lifelong commitment to spiritual purity and protection, even if the symbolism might be more readily recognized by other members of the faith than by outsiders.

What the Garment Means to Members:

Comfort and Reassurance: Many members speak of feeling comforted by the garment, especially in times of difficulty. It’s often seen as a symbol of God’s presence and protection in their lives.
Living by Example: For many, wearing the garment is a daily, quiet way of living out their faith. It’s a physical reminder of the spiritual commitments they’ve made and a way to keep focused on their values and beliefs.

In the LDS faith, the temple garment holds a deeply sacred and personal meaning for those who wear it. It’s far more than just a piece of clothing—it is a symbol of faith, a reminder of spiritual commitments, and a constant presence in a member’s life. While often misunderstood by outsiders, for Latter-day Saints, the garment is a cherished, reverent, and private symbol of their faith in God and their dedication to living according to the covenants they’ve made.