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A hairshirt (see also '' Cilice '') is an uncomfortable shirt worn by some Catholic s and, earlier, by Jews as a sign of Penance . Hairshirts are made of rough Cloth , generally woven from Goat s' hair, and are worn close to the Skin to practice Mortification and penance or to show contrition for Sins . (The cloth's coarse texture directly on the skin is extremely itchy, and it can also be a breeding ground for lice, furthering the discomfort.) They have also been worn to show distance from Temptation s of the flesh and ostentatious Luxury . It is known that they have been worn by Ascetic s, Monk s, and Lay Persons . WHY ARE THEY WORN? To physically suffer was to remove oneself from ): : '' Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. '' HISTORY The '' referenced below). This is translated as ''hair-cloth'' in the Douay Bible, and as ''sackcloth'' in the Anglican Authorized Version and the Book Of Common Prayer . St. John The Baptist wore a garment of Camels' hair that was likely a hairshirt, Thomas Becket was wearing one when he was Murdered , St. Patrick reputedly wore one, Charlemagne was buried in a hairshirt, and Henry IV famously wore one in the Walk To Canossa during the Investiture Controversy . Prince Henry The Navigator was found to be wearing a hairshirt at the time of his death in 1460. TIES TO THE WORD ''SACKCLOTH'' The word ''sackcloth'' is often employed as well. Sackcloth is often mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of Mourning and penance, and probably was a form of hairshirt. Sackcloth may also mean Burlap . EXTERNAL LINKS AND REFERENCES |
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