![]() It’s also thanks to the works of these monks that some of the greatest literary works from those times have survived until today. Often because monks are the only literate people in the community during those times. Much of the written materials during the middle ages were produced in monasteries. The image of monks hunched over a manuscript might be a little cliche but it’s not far from the truth. That’s why some monastic orders require their monks to do any sort of manual labor. Each has their own role to fulfill to ensure the monastery’s self-sustained existence – much like what modern monks do.īut aside from practical purposes, doing manual labor is also considered a way of getting closer to God. Some work in the fields while others work in the kitchens. Since monks have to produce their own food, they have to spend a part of their day doing communal labor. Some monastic orders even have their monks recite the entire book in a single day during special ocassions. Reciting the entire psalter in a week is an important monastic tradition. In fact, the Psalter or Book of Psalms played an important role in medieval monastic devotion. While meditations are done in silence, medieval monastic prayers are often in songs and hymns. There’s a specific prayer for different times of the day and for every occasion. They begin and end their day with prayer. Prayer and meditation are prominent parts of a medieval monk’s life. But it still follows the same basic principles defined under the rule of St. Monastic life may have undergone several reforms since the middle ages. A monk may renounce his vows and leave the monastery if he so chooses. Monkhood was also not an irreversible career choice back then. Those who choose not to may leave the monasteries once they come of age. While those who join at 15 years or older are referred to as novices.Īfter a year as a novice, they’re already allowed to take monastic vows and become a real monk. Children as young as five years old are often sent to live in monasteries as oblates. Unlike today, monkhood in the middle ages didn’t have an age limit. How Does One Become a Monk in the Middle Ages?īecoming a monk in the middle ages is quite straightforward. ![]() Though most of them eventually take up vows and dedicate their lives to God. And getting an education at the monastery will equip them for the careers they will choose later on. Since they will not inherit the family’s estates, these children often have to make a career for themselves. In fact, noble families traditionally send their second or third-born sons to monasteries. there’s a chance of real power if one rose to the topīut monkhood in the middle ages isn’t just for the common people.monasteries offer better accommodations.Other people also voluntarily become monks because: Since monasteries are self-sufficient and most of them own large tracts of land, monks often eat and live better than common people. The most common of which is food security. There are various reasons why people would want to become a monk in the middle ages. Why Medieval People Choose to Become Monks These precepts became the foundation for monastic life from the middle ages until today. It’s a compilation of edicts for monks living communally under the rule of an abbot. Benedict of Nursia introduced the Rule of St. As time went by, these people began to live in small secluded communities. They believe that getting rid of material distractions can help them get closer to God. Since ancient times, many people have chosen to leave everything behind in favor of an ascetic lifestyle. But monastic life in the middle ages is much more complicated than you might think. So it’s no wonder why we often think of them as living a rather mundane existence. Popular culture often depicts medieval monks as balding old men hunched over wooden tables and writing manuscripts by the candlelight.
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