biretta

A biretta is a square, stiff hat worn by many Western Christian clergy, most notably in the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions. It has a flat top with three or four ridges and is usually made of felt, wool, or silk. A central tassel or tuft rests on the crown and may be colored to indicate rank, depending on local custom.

In Catholic use, the color of the biretta or its tassel often signals rank. Common schemes include black for secular priests, purple (violet) for bishops, and red for cardinals. Variations exist by region and order, and some clergy or institutions adopt additional markings or colors for specific roles.

The biretta originated in the late Middle Ages and became a standard element of clerical dress in Western Europe, remaining in use for formal ceremonies, processions, and other rites. It is typically worn indoors with the cassock or other ceremonial robes; in some Anglican and Lutheran communities, it also serves as part of ceremonial dress. In certain academic or ceremonial contexts, related square caps appear as part of formal attire.

Overall, the biretta serves as a distinct symbol of office and tradition within Western liturgical and ceremonial dress, reflecting rank, function, and heritage across various churches.