In the 13th century, a reduced scapular, consisting of small pieces of cloth worn on the front and back of the body and connected by strings, was given to members of third orders associated with religious communities. In the 16th century, the scapular was reduced still further, sometimes to only one small piece of cloth worn on a string or cord. The piece of cloth often contained a holy image. Since 1910, a scapular medal, having images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on one side and the Blessed Virgin Mary on the other, maybe worn in place of a scapular. The scapular is a symbol of religious devotion and often in association with a religious order, and the church has attached indulgences to the wearing of scapulars. There are about 20 kinds of scapular in use.
