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himation

Apparel
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A large, rectangular outer cloak worn by men and women in ancient Greece, draped over one shoulder or both, often serving as the standard garment for philosophers and citizens.

Detailed Definition
The himation is the quintessential Greek outer garment, a rectangular cloth of sufficient size to wrap completely around the body, leaving one arm free. In poetry, the himation is often worn by speakers in public settings—the forum, the court, the theater—and its arrangement can indicate the wearer's emotional state: tightly wrapped for defense, loosely draped for ease. Philosophers such as Socrates are invariably depicted in a himation, lending it an intellectual, contemplative aura. Poets use the himation to evoke the classical past and to create a sense of rhetorical dignity. Its ability to be pulled over the head in grief or prayer adds a dramatic, performative element, making it a favorite for scenes of tragedy and supplication.
Example
Example in poetry:
"The philosopher's himation was draped with the care of a man who had no other possessions"; "She wrapped her himation around her and became a statue of grief"; "The himation's heavy wool fell in folds like the lines of an ancient law"; "He pulled his himation over his head in mourning and was swallowed by cloth"; "The himation, white as marble, was the uniform of the agora"; "She adjusted her himation and stepped into the assembly of men"
Additional Notes
The himation is the quintessential Greek outer garment, a rectangular cloth of sufficient size to wrap completely around the body, leaving one arm free. In poetry, the himation is often worn by speakers in public settings—the forum, the court, the theater—and its arrangement can indicate the wearer's emotional state: tightly wrapped for defense, loosely draped for ease. Philosophers such as Socrates are invariably depicted in a himation, lending it an intellectual, contemplative aura. Poets use the himation to evoke the classical past and to create a sense of rhetorical dignity. Its ability to be pulled over the head in grief or prayer adds a dramatic, performative element, making it a favorite for scenes of tragedy and supplication. Related terms include chiton, palla, and toga. Students should note the himation's association with classical philosophy and public oratory.
Also Known As
Greek cloak draped mantle philosopher's wrap
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