Skufia

Skufia is a special hat that some people wear as part of their religious clothing. It is worn by Orthodox Christian monks and priests, and sometimes by laypeople too. Skufias are usually made of a soft, lightweight material like felt or wool, and they sit on top of the head like a little crown.

Skufias have a long history, dating back to ancient times when people used to wear hats as a sign of respect for their religion. Over time, different types of hats were developed for different roles within the church. For example, bishops wore special hats called mitres, while monks and priests wore skufias.

The skufia has a symbolic meaning too. It is meant to represent the hood of a monk's cloak, which they would pull over their head when they wanted to pray or be alone with God. The skufia is a reminder that even when a monk or priest is going about their daily tasks, they are always connected to their spiritual life and their mission to serve God.

So, in short, skufia is a special hat worn by Orthodox Christian monks and priests as a symbol of their devotion to God and their calling to serve Him.