Cistercian Customs

[Egeria]

I don't know if you're interested in an historical study or in lived Cistercian life, but a lot of this strikes me as archaeology more than anything else. I would note that most Cistercians no longer use sign language and that there is considerable variation from monastery to monastery. Yes, some get up at 3 am, but others get up at 2 am, while yet others (a minority) get up at 5 am. As I remember, the fundamental principle is that the nocturnal character of the night office should be maintained. Likewise, the psalm schedules vary from monastery to monastery and most (certainly among the Trappists) follow a two-week psalm schedule.

If you're personally interested in Cistercian life (as opposed to an historical study of things that no longer exist) I would highly recommend visiting a Cistercian monastery and speaking to one of the monks. 

[John Paul]

I am interested in this orders and have contacted  monk already.

[John Paul]

JP have you read Seven Storey Mountain? I read it in the monastery and enjoyed it. Probably Trappists are sick of Thomas Merton being the only one people ever mention, but as far as learning about customs and the daily life, it's quite good.

​I read it at the abbey I went too two weeks ago.