The maniple is a liturgical vestment of the Western Rites. It is
an embroidered band of cloth that when worn hangs from the left
arm, and it follows the liturgical colours. It fell into disuse
in the Roman Catholic Church, and doesn't seem to be used much
in the Western Orthodox parishes either. Originally the maniple
was likely a piece of linen which clerics used to wipe their
faces and hands and has been described by some modern
commentators as being akin to a handkerchief. It appears to have
been used in the Roman liturgy since at least the 6th century.
The maniple can vary widely in size, shape, and degree of
embroidery and ornamentation. Common symbolic comments refer to
the maniple's likeness to the rope by which Our Lord was led and
the chains which bound his hands. It has also become known as an
emblem of the tears of penance, the burden of sin, and the
fatigue of the priestly office. This understanding is reflected
in the vesting prayer said while putting on the maniple before
Mass. Anglican commenta