veritasluxmea 1,162 Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 Heh. Ignorance is bliss. In the community I'm discerning with, it's pretty optional. Whatever is easiest for you to manage. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spem in alium 3,613 Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 I chose to keep my hair short after I entered. It was fairly short anyway, I liked it, and it's so much easier to manage (I have crazily thick hair). It's an option in my province. Most of my sisters have short hair. It seems easier to keep that way if you wear a veil. Three of my sisters, who do not wear veils, have long hair. In other provinces of my congregation, however, it's likely all sisters would wear veils and so seems reasonable they would keep their hair short out of convenience. P.S. God bless you, Sharon! I am praying for you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Antigonos 353 Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 It is a common problem among Orthodox Jewish women, who keep their hair covered, and Muslim women who wear the hijab, that constant hair covering can lead to loss of hair, especially if long [not to mention that scalp itches from sweat in hot weather] so it makes sense to keep one's hair short, if covered. Also, and this has been discussed before, some communities found that having the ears covered by the toque [is that the correct term?] led to frequent ear infections in some sisters, and chose a different style of veil as a result, that left the ears uncovered. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sr.christinaosf 638 Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 This topic seems to be a recurring one around here. In fact, I posted thie following response in a related thread last spring. In my community, when I was received as a novice on the Feast of St. Clare, my hair was cut at the ceremony. This was especially fitting in honor of that Saint who I believe had hers cut by St. Francis. I used to have long hair and was quite attached to it. I wrote an article this past spring on Our Franciscan Fiat blog that refers to the hair issue. I think the cutting of hair (especially when it has been a prized possession) can be beautifully symbolic of giving up what this world offers for love of Christ. MarysLittleFlower 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kateri89 641 Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 If/when I enter, I think the haircutting ceremony will be one of the parts I look forward to the most. Of course, that's probably the Franciscan in me, always wanting to shed more and more 'things' to grow closer to Christ. Reminds me of when St. Francis stripped naked and renounced his father but I have no intentions of doing that myself vee, Julie and MarysLittleFlower 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Julie 131 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 7 hours ago, Kateri89 said: If/when I enter, I think the haircutting ceremony will be one of the parts I look forward to the most. Of course, that's probably the Franciscan in me, always wanting to shed more and more 'things' to grow closer to Christ. Reminds me of when St. Francis stripped naked and renounced his father but I have no intentions of doing that myself Haha He did have the hair shirt, though. I totally know what you mean, though. A part of me just wants to leave everything, right now! Actually, the other day I had this enormous urge to just get up, as I was (which happened to be without shoes) and go. When I mentioned it (lightheartedly, I'm not actually crazy) my table companions started taking bets on how far I would get. They also unanimously decided I'd end up dramatically collapsing by the gate of a monastery and becoming a nun. But, seriously, I think cutting off my hair would mean a lot to me. If I'm giving all, I really want to give ALL. (Maybe I do have a little flair for dramatic gesture). MarysLittleFlower 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MarysLittleFlower 1,103 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 I kind of enjoyed reading this thread and the different responses. I have long hair and I think if I became a nun I'd like to cut it off. I think it's such a beautiful idea to give up everything for Christ and to give up what is commonly seen as the woman's beauty, as a statement that I want to only love Jesus. It can be hard if you really like your hair but I think that only makes it a more beautiful sacrifice Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nikita92 293 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 On a slightly different hair aspect...do communities..wear "Night caps" at bedtime..or a "night veil"..and if so, what does that consist of? If one does not have a toliet in their cell...and must use a community bathroom in the night time...is the hair covered? (if there is a possibility of crossing paths with another sister) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lily May Gath 20 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 ND and DSMME still wear night veils and small night scapulars, and by the Rule and Constitutions and Directory keep the head covered all the time. I think they use older or worn caps for nightime, but as you say, they would be going to the bathroom or in the dormitories with cap and dressing gown. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheresaThoma 2,354 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 I have heard of some communities using hooded bathrobes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sr.christinaosf 638 Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 We don't bother with that. I still have pajamas from when I was in high school or college. It's not a big deal if we see each other after undressing for the night. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spem in alium 3,613 Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 We don't worry about it, either - night veils, or pyjamas. There's no problem if I see another sister (or she sees me) in pyjamas. Mags 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mags 132 Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 4 hours ago, Spem in alium said: We don't worry about it, either - night veils, or pyjamas. There's no problem if I see another sister (or she sees me) in pyjamas. I have been informed that I need to bring nightdresses with me, pyjamas not permitted. Gutted as I haven't slept in a nightdress since I was a child, but hey ho, this is a very small sacrifice Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sr Mary Catharine OP 1,623 Posted February 4, 2016 Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 1 hour ago, Mags said: I have been informed that I need to bring nightdresses with me, pyjamas not permitted. Gutted as I haven't slept in a nightdress since I was a child, but hey ho, this is a very small sacrifice You'll get used to it in no time! Mags 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spem in alium 3,613 Posted February 4, 2016 Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 (edited) 2 hours ago, Mags said: I have been informed that I need to bring nightdresses with me, pyjamas not permitted. Gutted as I haven't slept in a nightdress since I was a child, but hey ho, this is a very small sacrifice You'll be fine! Though it does take getting used to I rarely wore nightgowns when I was younger but bought one when I travelled to Rome in the heat of summer last year. It was unusual at first, but I did end up liking it --- especially on super-hot nights! I always wear a robe with my pyjamas, though (mine is actually a kimono). I feel it's more modest, especially if I'm needed at night for anything, and I find it really comfortable. Sometimes we'll wear pyjamas if we're watching a movie at night or something (we actually had a pyjama party last night) and everyone wears robes. I think it's just what we do. Edited February 4, 2016 by Spem in alium Mags 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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