Industry: Religion

The latest catalogue to come across my desk:

"Buy Three Chasubles or Dalmatics, Get One of Equal or Lesser Value Free!"

So I am pretty liturgical, but I had to look up Dalmatic- and for those who do not have The Altar Guild and Sacristy Handbook, a Dalmatic is defined thus:

"In congregations in which the presiding minister wears a chasuble (Chasuble being found two pages earlier and in short: a big cape worn like a poncho over the robe and stole for celebrating the Eucharist/communion) for the Eucharist, the principal assisting minister (liturgical deacon) may wear a Dalmatic over the alb for festive celebrations. It is a less full vestment than the chasuble (read: not as much poncho) but matches in color and fabric."

Now. There is absolutely nowhere else where cheapness meets extravagance head on. One of these babies usually goes for anywhere from $250 to $1000 a piece. They are ornate, lavish and hand sewn. But if you wear one, you need at least 3 or 4 others for the other liturgical seasons. So- might as well save on one of equal or lesser value.

Only in Industry: Religion do we have this paradox.