Medieval nuns typically woke up at midnight to commence the first major service of their day, known as Matins. This exceptionally early hour was fundamental to their monastic life, deeply rooted in their commitment to continuous prayer and devotion to God.
The Rigorous Beginning: Matins
The first service of the day, Matins, was a significant and demanding part of the nuns' daily routine. It began precisely at midnight and was not a brief affair; it could last until nearly dawn. During this lengthy service, nuns would stand and sing a substantial number of psalms, often as many as fifty, entirely from memory. This rigorous practice underscored their dedication and the central role of praise and prayer in their spiritual lives.
Daily Life Focused on Divine Service
The entire daily schedule of medieval monks and nuns was structured around serving God through prayer and praise. The midnight awakening for Matins set the tone for a day punctuated by various prayer services (known as the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office), all aimed at glorifying God. This meant their lives were highly disciplined, with every activity, particularly prayer, meticulously scheduled and devoutly observed.
Here's a quick overview of this significant early start:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wake-Up Time | Midnight |
| First Service | Matins |
| Duration of Service | Could last until nearly dawn |
| Key Activities | Standing, singing up to fifty psalms from memory |
| Primary Purpose | Prayer, praise, and serving God |
This disciplined schedule ensured that prayer and divine service were the absolute core of a medieval nun's existence, beginning even before the sun rose.
