Robes of the Infant Jesus of Prague

Purpose of dressing the statue

The ancient tradition of dressing the grace-giving statue of the Infant Jesus is intended to bring Jesus closer to the faithful as a real human being. It helps us to experience the closeness of Jesus and to express our love and reverence. It is not a case of idolatry, for the statue is not alive and it serves only as a reminder and a means of enabling a spiritual encounter with the living Christ.

The statue itself represents Jesus as a very small child, wearing a simple gown. This statue, sublime in its simplicity, is dressed in a white alb and royal robes to express the thought that is common to all Christians, that this child is a king of the house of David, and, what is more, that Jesus is Son of God and God himself, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The Infant Jesus of Prague has been dressed in different clothes from time immemorial, and people know him best in his royal robes. Most of his outfits are gifts of thanksgiving. The wardrobe numbers around a hundred costumes, some of which are incomplete or unusable. Some of the costumes can be seen in the museum, which the public can visit free of charge. The task of changing the Infant Jesus' robes is entrusted to the Carmelite Sisters of the Child Jesus, who help the Discalced Carmelite Fathers to look after this place of pilgrimage.

Colours of the robes

The robes of the Infant Jesus of Prague are changed so that the colour corresponds to the liturgical season, which is governed by the church calendar. Four basic colours are normally used:

• White – festive colour of purity and holiness – for feast days and the Easter and Christmas periods
• Red – colour of blood and fire, royal colour – for Holy Week, Pentecost time and feasts of the Holy Cross
• Violet – solemn colour symbolising repentance – for the Lenten and Advent seasons
• Green – colour of life and hope – for ordinary time (colour used most often)

On the feast of his coronation the Infant Jesus is usually dressed in royal robes with an ermine mantle. On special occasions other colours are used:

• Rose – colour of subdued joy – may be used on the third Sunday of Advent and the fourth Sunday of Lent
• Gold – festive colour – may replace other colours
• Blue – sometimes used as a festive colour, especially for feasts of Our Lady

Items and procedure for dressing – Museum