While studying an aspect of the crucifixion of Jesus (the seamless garment that the soldiers cast lots for), I came across a sermon transcript that said the following as part of its argument (referring to Mark 14:63):
When people tore the garments it was a sign of grief and mourning and despair and hopelessness. But the priest was never to tear his garments because God is the God of hope. (http://www.trinitybaptistardmore.com/page/the_seamless_robe)
Was this actually the case? Were priests specifically prohibited from tearing their clothes? Was there at least some sort of reason why a show of such grief (false or otherwise) would have been unacceptable for a priest?