Habitus Fidei

In the biblical account of creation, after sinning, Adam and Eve realise they are naked: the breakdown of harmony with God also leads to a loss of balance with themselves and with the world. The two make belts out of fig leaves, but it is God himself who clothes them in tunics of skin, taking care of them despite their fall.

According to Christian teaching – the Gospel – God incarnates in Mary and becomes man. Jesus Christ, God and man, is the new Adam, who offers himself for the salvation of all.
In the Gospels there are many references to clothing and perfumes, from the swaddling clothes in which Mary wraps her infant son to the white robes of those who announce the resurrection. 
The Gospels invite us not to worry too much about how we dress, and at the same time indicate that those who clothe others do a work that is worthy in the eyes of the Saviour.

With his death on the cross, Jesus saves humanity stripped of his clothes, which are partly divided and partly raffled off by the Roman soldiers. Paul of Tarsus, a 'skenopoiòs', or tentmaker, applied numerous images from the world of clothing and cosmetics to the life of faith. In particular, Paul invites Christians to be 'the fragrance of Christ before God', and he also writes: 'for as many as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ'.

Confraternities are associations of lay people that have existed since the 7th century, became widespread in the Middle Ages, and are still very active today (there are over 30,000 in Europe, with around six million members).
Their habit — also known as a sackcloth — is usually very simple: it is an overgarment worn by members when carrying out the activities of the confraternity. It is usually complemented by a hood, belt, cape, and the insignia of the confraternity. The outfit may include a hat, gloves, shoes, staff, and other garments and accessories.
The colors of the garment often symbolically indicate the nature of the confraternity and its possible connection to a religious order.

Garments of the Confraternity of San Rocco in Lugano (garment in use, and previous garment); confraternity garment from the early 20th century (Ligurian-Piedmontese Apennine region); garment of the Archconfraternity of Madonna del Pianto under the title of Morte dal Sacco Nero (Molfetta).

A passage from the Gospel indicates the elements on which each person will be judged, the so-called works of mercy : feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming pilgrims, visiting the sick, visiting prisoners, and burying the dead.
Many confraternities have "specialised" in the practice of a particular work of mercy.

In addition to penance and works of mercy, public worship is one of the main activities of the confraternities, often manifested through pilgrimages or solemn processions.
In particular, numerous confraternities are dedicated to the Eucharist—the Corpus Domini —or to Mary. Processions during Holy Week are also particularly frequent, commemorating the passion and crucifixion of Jesus, his burial, and resurrection.