What is the meaning of the white garment which is put on after Baptism?
The symbolism of the white garment is scriptural, reminding us that it is the Lord who has clothed us out of his love for mankind: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD… for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isa 61:10).
As the Apostle reminds us: “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance so that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10; see Q484).
The white garment represents the new life in Christ, “and it is at work in you who believe” (Phi 2:13). The heavenly vision of Revelation shows that Christians have white garments because they have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:14), and that “the fine linen represents the righteous deeds of the saints” (Rev 19:8): grace given, and grace lived.
The baptismal cross worn about the neck is a visible expression and continual reminder of Christ’s command: “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mat 16:24; see Q585).
After the triple immersion and the chrismation, the newly baptized is led by the priest three times around the baptismal font, an action recalling the same triple procession in the rite of Holy Matrimony, for baptism is espousal to Christ: “I betrothed you to one husband, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ” (2Co 11:2; see Q360).
This circular procession, with lighted candles and the singing of “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27; see Q383, Q484), signifies spiritual joy, illumination, and the endlessness of the covenant now entered, for the circle has no end.
