Temple Clothing Symbolism

Men’s Hat
The baker-looking hat symbolizes the crown of light where the Godhead rests directing the rest of the body (church).

Men’s Hat Ribbon
The ribbon on the hat has three portions, symbolizing the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost).

Attachment of Ribbon to Robe
The ribbon (the Godhead) is attached to the Priesthood (the robes of the Priesthood) through the little string which symbolizes revelation.

Shoulder Loops
Notice that there are four loopty-loops on the shoulder portion of the robes, broken up into three different sections making a total of twelve sections. These 12 sections symbolize the quorum of the twelve apostles.

Top Loops
Note that the top three loops of the priesthood robe, for men, is attached via the string (revelation) to the hat (the godhead). These top 3 loops represent the First Presidency, which is connected by revelation to the Godhead.

Sash
The sash is the bond of charity as Paul said.

Green Apron
The apron worn by temple patrons is green, which is symbolic of life. The fig leaves on the green apron are a fruit known for the countless multitude of seeds. This green apron full of fruitful seeds is worn after Adam and Eve are cast out, and strategically over the loins symbolizing the new power to procreate, be fruitful and multiply.

Satan's Apron
Currently in temple ceremonies, Satan wears a dark apron, which he says is a symbol of his powers and priesthoods. But before the 1960’s, Satan in the temple wore an apron with many symbols on it, including an all-seeing eye, beehive, skull and crossbones, compasses, suns, moons, stars, etc.. If you don't believe it, ask your grandparents who participated in live sessions before 1960.

Interestingly, George Washington, a Mason, wore an identical apron to the one Satan wore in the temple. (Click the apron on the right to discover the meanings of the symbols.)

Shield Used During Initiatory
The shield during the initiatory is a symbol of the atonement. It is said to be the same as the one Christ used to cover the naked man that Christ initiated the night of His atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane (See Mark 14:51-52).

Garments
The symbols on the garment are explained in the temple endowment. However, garments has gone through several revisions since they were first introduced in Nauvoo. Read the interesting history of garments here.

Outside Temple Symbolism

Angel Moroni Statue
Moroni on top the temple is there to announce that the fullness of the everlasting gospel has been restored to earth.

Spires on Salt Lake Temple
Six Spires, three on each end of the temple, represent the restoration of the priesthood. The three east spires, representing the Melchizedek Priesthood, are six feet higher than the three west spires, representing the Aaronic Priesthood. Also the three east spires represent the First Presidency, and the three west spires the Presiding Bishopric.

Stars outside Temple
Star Stones are found all over the temple, like on keystones above corner tower windows and above the lower set of windows on the walls. They are reminders of the pillars of heaven and the glory of God, and of the telestial kingdom. The stars pointing downward represent the reception of truth from the heavens, and also the priesthood, that the "lost may find themselves," according to Truman O. Angell, temple architect.

Moon Stones on Salt Lake Temple
All 50 moon stones are on the buttresses in line with the top of the first row of oval windows. They illustrate the computation of the earth’s time, and also the terrestrial kingdom.

Sun Stones on Salt Lake Temple
The sun stones also number 50 and are in line with the top of the upper row of oval windows. They also represent the computation of the earth’s time, and in addition, stand for the celestial kingdom.

Saturn Stones on Salt Lake Temple
The Saturn stones are located directly below the parapet on each side of the six towers. They represent Kolob, the dwelling place of God.

Corner Tower Windows on Salt Lake Temple
The five windows on the east end of the building commemorate the five offices of the Melchizedek priesthood: Elder, Seventy, High Priest, Patriarch, and Apostle. The four on the west end of the building stand for the four offices of the Aaronic priesthood: Deacon, Teacher, Priest, and Bishop.

All-Seeing Eye
The all-seeing eye is a symbol of omniscience, omnipresence, and the omnipotent nature of God, is found on the east facade of the central tower, just below the dedicatory inscription.