he monk’s habit was a sign that a person had decided to separate himself from the world in order to worship God and had chosen to observe the Rule of St. Benedict and live a life of poverty and obeyance. In the Middle Ages the Cistercian habits were made of white, unbleached woollen fabric similarly to peasants who earned their living by manual labour. The Cistercians wore white tunics with a black scapular. The scapular – originally a work apron – was to protect the white tunic from getting dirty. A large hooded cowl or cuculla was worn for prayers in church. The monks slept in their habits in order to be ready for night and morning prayers.
