The Holy Robe (of Jesus) as an Example of Christian Relics and the Embodiment of Religious Meaning

Abstract

The Seamless Robe of Jesus (also known as the Holy Robe, the Holy Tunic, the Honourable Robe, and the Chiton of the Lord) is a relic kept in the Cathedral of Trier in Germany. It is said that the robe has been worn by Jesus during or shortly before his crucifixion. According to the legend, Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the seamless robe in the Holy Land in the year 327 or 328 along with several other relics, including the True Cross, sending it to the city of Trier. The robe is usually secluded in a shrine and shown to the public very rarely. After 1600 it was shown only 9 times, 2012 being the last time. In my paper, I will shortly depict the history of this relic and its importance for pilgrimage and worship in Trier and give some impressions of the pilgrimage of 2012. Based on this I will reflect on the importance of materiality and embodiment in religion, a unique religious dimension in all religions.