Burlap vs. Sackcloth — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
Burlap, commonly made from jute or sisal fibers, is a coarse fabric used for bags and wraps, while sackcloth, often similar, historically denotes a rough garment for penance.
Difference Between Burlap and Sackcloth
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Burlap is primarily used in the construction of bags, sacks, and protective coverings due to its durability and breathability. Sackcloth, on the other hand, has a historical and cultural significance, often associated with mourning and penitence in religious texts.
Burlap is woven tightly to ensure it can hold materials without tearing. Sackcloth is similarly durable but traditionally less refined, emphasizing its use as a symbol rather than functionality.
Burlap can be found in a variety of settings from agricultural to decorative applications, showcasing its versatility. Sackcloth, while historically used for clothing as a sign of humility or sorrow, today might be used in thematic art or drama.
Burlap is often treated to resist moisture and rot, making it suitable for outdoor use. Sackcloth was typically left untreated, contributing to its rough and primitive feel.
Burlap might be dyed, printed on, or otherwise decorated for aesthetic purposes, especially in crafts and decor. Sackcloth remains more utilitarian in appearance, sticking to its roots of simplicity and austerity.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Made from jute, sisal, or other fibers
Traditionally made from coarser goat hair
Primary Use
Bags, sacks, protective coverings
Historical garment, symbolic use
Texture
Coarse, but uniform
Rougher, less refined
Treatment
Often treated for moisture resistance
Typically untreated
Decorative Use
Common in crafts and decorative uses
Rarely used for decoration
Compare with Definitions
Burlap
A coarse canvas woven from jute, hemp, or a similar fiber, used especially for sacking.
The potatoes were stored in a burlap sack.
Sackcloth
A fabric made of coarse goat hair, used historically as a sign of mourning or penance.
He wore sackcloth as a sign of his repentance.
Burlap
A breathable material often used in plant protection against frost.
The nursery wrapped the young trees in burlap for winter protection.
Sackcloth
A rough material not suitable for everyday clothing.
Sackcloth was used to make tents and coverings rather than clothing.
Burlap
A fabric used in various utilitarian ways for gardening, upholstery, and crafts.
She used burlap to create a rustic table runner.
Sackcloth
A symbol of humility in many religious and cultural traditions.
The penitents donned sackcloth during the ritual.
Burlap
A durable material used in the construction of sandbags.
They filled burlap bags with sand to fortify the flood defenses.
Sackcloth
Often untreated and rugged, reflecting its symbolic nature.
The sackcloth was rough against the skin, symbolizing discomfort and humility.
Burlap
A fabric that can be processed into a finer grade for more decorative purposes.
The designer showcased dresses made from refined burlap.
Sackcloth
Used in historical reenactments and religious observances today.
Actors in the biblical drama wore sackcloth to depict ancient times.
Burlap
Coarse canvas woven from jute, hemp, or a similar fibre, used especially for sacking
A burlap sack
Sackcloth
Sackcloth (Hebrew: שַׂק śaq) is a coarsely woven fabric, usually made of goat's hair. The term in English often connotes the biblical usage, where the Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible remarks that haircloth would be more appropriate rendering of the Hebrew meaning.In some Christian traditions (notably Catholicism), the wearing of hairshirts continues as a self-imposed means of mortifying the flesh that is often practiced during the Christian penitential season of Lent, especially on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and other Fridays of the Lenten season.
Burlap
A strong, coarsely woven cloth made of fibers of jute, flax, or hemp and used to make bags, to reinforce linoleum, and in interior decoration.
Sackcloth
Sacking.
Burlap
(US) A very strong, coarse cloth, made from jute, flax, or hemp, and used to make sacks, etc.
Sackcloth
A rough cloth of camel's hair, goat hair, hemp, cotton, or flax.
Burlap
(transitive) To wrap or cover in burlap.
Sackcloth
Garments made of this cloth, worn as a symbol of mourning or penitence.
Burlap
A coarse fabric, made of jute or hemp, used for bagging; also, a finer variety of similar material, used for curtains, etc.
Sackcloth
A coarse hessian style of cloth used to make sacks.
Burlap
Coarse jute fabric
Sackcloth
Garments worn as an act of penance.
After he realised the gravity of his crime he spent some time wearing sackcloth and ashes.
Sackcloth
Made of sackcloth.
Sackcloth
Linen or cotton cloth such as sacks are made of; coarse cloth; anciently, a cloth or garment worn in mourning, distress, mortification, or penitence.
Gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.
Thus with sackcloth I invest my woe.
Sackcloth
A garment made of coarse sacking; formerly worn as an indication of remorse
Sackcloth
A coarse cloth resembling sacking
Common Curiosities
What is burlap used for?
Burlap is used for making sacks, bags, and protective coverings for plants and buildings.
How is sackcloth different from burlap in texture?
Sackcloth is rougher and generally made from goat hair, whereas burlap is smoother and made from fibers like jute.
How is burlap made?
Burlap is woven from natural fibers such as jute, sisal, or hemp.
Can burlap be used for clothing?
While not common, burlap can be processed into a finer material suitable for rustic or themed clothing.
What are the cultural implications of wearing sackcloth?
Wearing sackcloth can indicate a cultural practice of mourning or penance, especially in historical or religious contexts.
Is burlap environmentally friendly?
Yes, burlap is biodegradable and made from natural fibers, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Can both burlap and sackcloth be used in agriculture?
Yes, both can be used in agriculture, but burlap is more commonly used for protecting plants.
Is burlap suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, its durability and treatment options make it suitable for outdoor applications.
What does wearing sackcloth signify?
Historically, wearing sackcloth signifies mourning, penance, or humility.
How are burlap and sackcloth treated?
Burlap is often treated for moisture resistance, whereas sackcloth is typically left untreated.
Where is sackcloth mentioned historically?
Sackcloth is often mentioned in the Bible and other ancient texts as a symbol of repentance or mourning.
Are there decorative uses for burlap?
Yes, burlap is popular in crafts and home decor for its rustic appeal.
Can burlap be recycled?
Yes, burlap made from natural fibers can be recycled.
How has the use of sackcloth changed over time?
While once used for clothing and symbolic purposes, sackcloth today is more commonly used in thematic arts or as a historical reference.
What makes sackcloth less ideal for decorative purposes?
Its rough texture and historical associations with austerity make it less appealing for decoration.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
