Hair shirts are rough garments worn next to the skin for discomfort and penance. Originally made of sackcloth or animal hair, they were used in religious orders and by repentant individuals. The tradition of mortification of the flesh ranges from withholding pleasures to serious harm and is an expression of faith. Religious ascetics use mortification to draw closer to God and keep their practice humble. While the concept may seem archaic, awareness of suffering is important in many religions.
A hair shirt is a rough garment intended to be worn next to the skin, keeping the wearer in a state of discomfort and constant awareness of the presence of the shirt. Such garments were traditionally worn by some Christian religious orders, along with individuals who felt repentant about certain actions or their lifestyles. Their use is fairly limited in the modern era, but the term is often used metaphorically, which is why someone might refer to “wearing a hair shirt” when performing some other act of self-imposed penance.
Originally, these garments were known as hair shirts, referring to the Latin word cilicium, which means “covering made of goat hair”. Early shirts were made with sackcloth or rough animal hair so as to irritate the skin, and later versions incorporated additional uncomfortable features such as thin threads or twigs. Several biblical characters wore hair shirts as a demonstration of religious faith, and the practice has been revived by devout members of society and the Church. The term “hair shirt” is now used more generally for any item worn to increase discomfort.
The tradition of wearing sackcloth is part of a practice called mortification of the flesh. Mortification ranges from simply withholding pleasures to actually committing serious harm, as was the case with medieval flagellants who whipped themselves during the time of the plague. This is said to be an expression of faith, and is also meant to form the soul, expelling sin and promoting godly and faithful behavior. Extreme mortification is no longer in vogue in most Christian sects, but milder forms, such as fasting, are an important part of religious belief for some devout Christians.
Religious ascetics often engage in mortification to draw closer to God and to keep their religious practice humble. At a time when these garments were a popular form of mortification, many others in society, from kings to merchants, wore them. Members of the upper class engaged in mortification to encourage themselves to be God-conscious and sometimes to do penance for dressing in fine clothing. Shirts were usually worn under other garments, as sporting one would have been a form of vanity, punishable by further penance.
While the concept of hair shirt may seem archaic or repulsive, awareness of suffering is an important aspect of many religions, from Buddhism to traditional shamanic practices. Since these garments are worn as a form of willful mortification, they should not be considered in the same category with acts of torture and forced penance.
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