A small round skullcap worn by Catholic clergy, with colors indicating different ranks in the Church hierarchy.
From Italian 'zucchetto,' literally meaning 'little gourd' or 'little pumpkin,' referring to its round, dome-like shape that resembles half of a small squash. The diminutive suffix '-etto' makes it 'little pumpkin.' This humble vegetable comparison for such a sacred and hierarchical piece of religious clothing shows how everyday objects influenced the naming of even the most formal religious vestments.
The Pope's sacred skullcap is literally called 'little pumpkin' in Italian because of its round, gourd-like shape. It's endearing that one of the most recognizable symbols of papal authority has such a humble, garden-variety name.
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