What Does a Capirote Symbolize?

Historically, the capirote was intended as a mark of humiliation and was worn by those publicly punished by Church officials for doctrinal violations. In time, the cap was adopted by Catholic brotherhoods as a voluntary guise for their flagellants (those flogging themselves as penance for their sins).

What is a Spanish capirote?

A capirote is a Catholic pointed hat of conical form that is used in Spain by members of a confraternity of penitents. ... Capirote are worn by penitents so that attention is not drawn towards themselves as they repent, but instead to God.

What is the origin of the capirote?

The origin of the capirotes or capuchón is in the Holy Inquisition. People who were sentenced by the Court of the Inquisition were punished with the imposition of this cardboard cone. In addition, on the capirote they were put a cloth garment that covered their chest and back. This garment was called sambenito.