This is a real hairshirt made in France long ago

How’s this definition????

A cilice /ˈsɪlɨs/ was originally a garment or undergarment made of coarse cloth or animal hair (a hairshirt) worn close to the skin.  It was used in some religious traditions to induce discomfort or pain as a sign of repentance and atonement.  Cilices were originally made from sackcloth or coarse animal hair so they would irritate the skin.  Other features were added to make cilices more uncomfortable, such as thin wires or twigs.  In modern religious circles it simply means any device worn for the same purposes. (Wikipedia)

Rather than rephrasing a clear definition, thanks Wikipedia for doing the job.  Let’s add that cilces come from many different cultures, Turkish, Jewish, Catholic, for a few examples, and famous people have worn them, like Roman Popes, English King Henry IV, Martyr Thomas Becket, Charlemagne, Portuguese Prince Henry the Navigator, Saint Patrick, AND modern people, like Father Oscar Romero and Mother Teresa. R.E.M. musicians wrote a song, Hairshirt, for their Green album. Whew!!! Continue reading “Hairshirts” »