The Blue Scapular Prayer Book

they were connected with a particular Marian apparition, which then began the tradition of a particular scapular, but also because of the devotion associated with the practice of wearing a scapular and the indulgences attached to it. The most revered, known, and popular among the Marian scapulars is the Carmelite one. Its origin is shrouded in legend. According to the tradition, the Virgin Mary personally gave this scapular in 1251 to the venerable and particularly devout Superior General of the Carmelites, Blessed Simon Stock. The Blessed Mother is believed to have promised that whoever wore the Carmelite scapular would not suffer the fires of hell. At first, people used to place the scapular over their clothes or armor, and it was worn with particular pride on solemn occasions. But over time the visible, showy piety became more discreet, and the scapular “moved” under people’s clothing. Consequently, it had to become smaller in size, but it continued to look the same: two pieces of cloth joined by ribbons, which one would put on over one’s head. Sometimes the material was decorated with an embroidered or painted picture. Now the scapular was hidden from the onlookers’ eyes and when it happened to be exposed or revealed—like in the famous Polish painting by Jan Matejko 28