Monks can have very few possessions in life. They are: 1 toothpick, an umbrella, a belt, a razor, three robes and an alms bowl.
Centuries ago -robes were made from “pure cloth” – meaning cloth that no one else wanted anymore. The monks would collect old rags, wash them, then dye them by boiling with vegetables and spices like turmeric and saffron which gave the robes the bright orange/yellow colors.
Monks in Southeast Asia still wear the spice colored robes today in shades of curry, cumin, paprika and saffron.
marschmadness 