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Citizenship = Toga
In Roman law, specifically the Law of the Twelve Tables from 451 BC, the toga was explicitly designated as the attire for citizens. It was a garment forbidden to slaves and foreigners. The term "togatus," meaning "one who wears a toga," became synonymous with "Roman citizen." Even after the conquests of Carthage and Gaul, the right to wear a toga was strictly reserved for Romans and not extended to outsiders. This garment served as a clear and visible indicator of one's legal status within Roman society.
Hierarchy of Colors & Stripes
The Roman toga was not merely a garment; its color and ornamentation denoted a precise social hierarchy. The *toga virilis*, a plain white toga, was worn by commoners and ordinary citizens. The *toga praetexta*, distinguished by its purple border, was reserved for senators, high-ranking magistrates, and aristocratic minors. At the pinnacle of this sartorial system was the *toga picta*, an elaborate purple toga adorned with gold embroidery, which only triumphing generals and emperors were permitted to wear. Each variation of the toga served as an unmistakable visual cue, communicating an individual's exact social standing within Roman society.
Why It Disappeared
The toga, a single piece of cloth often measuring 6 meters in length, was inherently impractical for daily wear, requiring the assistance of a slave to properly drape it around the body. Its cumbersome nature led to its gradual decline as everyday attire. By the 1st century AD, the simpler tunic had largely replaced the toga for common use. The toga was subsequently reserved for formal occasions such as religious ceremonies, court proceedings, and Senate meetings. Interestingly, the academic regalia worn at 21st-century university graduation ceremonies can be traced directly back to the toga, following a lineage from the Roman toga to Roman scholar's robes, then to medieval university attire, and finally to the modern graduation gown.
Status Through Hanja
The Chinese character "位" (pronounced *wi* in Korean), meaning "position" or "status," is formed by combining "人" (person) and "立" (to stand), literally translating to "the place where a person stands." This single character is used for concepts like position, social standing, and even a royal throne. Just as the Roman toga visually represented a citizen's "place" or status through their attire, Eastern cultures similarly utilized official robes, hats like the *gat*, and traditional overcoats such as the *dobok* to denote social rank. Across diverse civilizations, clothing has consistently served as a universal instrument for signifying and communicating hierarchy within human societies.
