Jacqueline Murray's research delves into the historically intricate subject of what medieval monks wore beneath their habits, revealing how the presence or absence of undergarments like femoralia and bracae engaged larger conversations about modesty, masculinity, and spiritual discipline. By examining various monastic traditions from the fifth to the thirteenth centuries, Murray contrasts practical needs with moral perceptions. Importantly, The Rule of Saint Benedict permitted only limited use of undergarments, creating a canvas for controversy that shaped different communities' interpretations of monastic life.
Murrayâs research highlighted that medieval monks faced significant debates about the practicality and morality of wearing undergarments, influencing their monastic traditions.
The Rule of Saint Benedict did not mandate undergarments for daily wear but permitted them during travel, sparking diverse interpretations among monastic communities.
Guibert of Nogentâs account of a fire in the monastery illustrates the severe and often humorous complexities surrounding monastic undergarment practices and their fluctuating views.
The distinction between different religious orders and their attitudes toward underwear reveals a nuanced aspect of monastic life tied to modesty and discipline.
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