The White Garment (Sutana): Why Do Celestians Wear White?

If you've ever walked past a Celestial parish on a Sunday, the first thing you notice is a sea of white. For many outsiders, it's the most recognisable thing about us.

Since the church was founded in Porto-Novo in 1947 by the Reverend Samuel Bilewu Oshoffa, the white garment has been worn as a sign of purity, holiness and humility before God. It's also a great leveller: rich or poor, elder or newcomer, everyone stands before God dressed the same.

But the garment comes with rules many of us were taught growing up:

• It is worn barefoot and only for worship and church activities
• It should be kept clean and treated with respect
• It isn't worn to places or events considered unclean

So let's talk:

1. What does the sutana mean to you personally?
2. Were you taught any rules about it that others may not know?
3. Do you think the younger generation still values it the way our parents did?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Let's learn from one another.