What is the significance of wearing a 'toga candida'?

Wearing a 'toga candida' is significant because it specifically denotes the status of a candidate during elections in ancient Rome. This white toga, which is bleached to a pure whiteness, was worn by individuals seeking political office, particularly during the elections, to symbolize their candidacy and to stand out among the crowd. The color white represented purity and moral integrity, suggesting that the individual was a righteous candidate deserving of public support.

While it could be argued that the toga itself has various meanings depending on the context—such as a different toga signifying citizenship or other aspects of life—what distinguishes the 'toga candida' is its exclusive connection to the political arena and the process of electioneering. Thus, wearing this particular toga is directly linked to one's campaign and public office aspirations.