Strange bits of research
For whatever reason, my characters ended up visiting a monastery in the scene I was working on tonight. I dragged out some of my research books to make sure I described the monks appropriately, and came across some bizarre little bits of information on Irish monks.
I knew about shaved tonsures, but apparently they let the rest of their hair grow long and down their backs. They wore coarse woolen garments with white linen undergarments. And most bizarre, they would paint their eyelids black! Funny, the little things you come across.
My monastery will be an island monastery, similar to Skellig Michael, shown here.
What’s really fascinating are the monks’ cells, made of stone. Take a look at these!
It amazes me to think that people lived in dwellings like this. Eventually in the 12th century, they abandoned the island monastery and moved to the mainland. I’m thinking that those cold sea winds might have had something to do with it. 
One of my favorite abbeys in the U.S. is the Abbey of Gethsemane in Kentucky. I’ve been there twice during my college years, and there was something almost surreal about attending Mass for the different Hours (compline, vespers, none, etc.). All of it was in Gregorian chant. In a way, it made you feel as though you were back in medieval times, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
Michelle posted in Writing @ 9:41 pm | Viewed 2633 times
Alyssa Says:
Wow, those pictures are amazing. Love the second one in particular.
beth Says:
We didn’t get to Skellig Michael - it’s one of the many reasons we’ll just have to take another trip to Ireland (darn the luck!
) We did, however, go to a beehive hut out in the middle of nowhere on the Dingle Peninsula…talk about solitude! I suspect you’re right about the winds being motivation for repairing to the mainland (heck, the winds are what chased them out of Cashel).
Your Kentucky monastery sounds like a fabulous experience. I love reading the Cadfael chronicles (by Ellis Peters) and reveling in the descriptions of the various services for the hours. I can only imagine how much more amazing they would be in person.
Lexi Connor Says:
Oh, I saw those pictures first and KNEW they were of the Skelligs! But wow, I didn’t go on the island. Great shot!
Nicole Reising Says:
That black eye thing is ‘weird’ yet cool… the imagery is gives is awesome for a story.
Cole
Holly Says:
Beautiful pictures and interesting little tidbits of information. I’m going to have to look up the Abbey of Gethsemane. I live in Kentucky and I think I’ve heard of it, but not sure where it is.
Have a great day!
Holly Says:
Ah…I just searched it and I know where I know it from…my mom heard about them on KET(pbs station) or something and she and my dad have ordered their fruitcakes before! LOL
Kim A. Says:
Stunning photos!
I wonder what the significance of the blackened eyelids was. Makes me quite curious.
-Kim
Tori Lennox Says:
What on earth was the reasoning behind the black eyelids? That’s so bizarre!
Heidi Dahlquist Says:
Those pictures are amazing!! I’m glad you posted those pictures because I’m in the process of planning our next trip to Ireland. Do you any suggestions for my next trip to Ireland? Were hoping to do a split trip to Ireland and Scotland…I need to research the MacLeod clan’s castle…Dunvegan Castle. One of my charaters calls this place home.
You always have such beautiful pictures of Irleand Michelle!
kayemanro Says:
The Abbey of Gethsemane sounds wonderful. I love the feel of anything medieval. The 12th century is my favorite. I’d love to check out that Abbey. Your photos are always so good. Interesting research…
Melissa Mc Says:
Interesting research, Michelle! It’ll be fun to read it in the book!
Danica/Dream Says:
Wow, that is awesome!