MovieChat Forums > The Nun's Story (1959) Discussion > scene where postulants look like brides

scene where postulants look like brides

posted 13 years ago by lewis-51
7 replies | jump to latest

I know little about the process of becoming a nun, so much of this was new to me, but the scene I found most intriguing was fairly early on in the process when the postulants take one of their vows. They walk in in their usual two columns, but they are dressed as brides, complete with partial veils! After giving the vow before a priest, they are led into another room where their hair is cut and they get a different set of clothes.

Very symbolic. "Bride of Christ" indeed.

- henry

[–] starrywisdom 13 years ago

And they get silver wedding rings to wear. This happened in all orders up until fairly recently, I believe, and perhaps still does.

[–] carolineno 13 years ago

Really creepy, isn't it?

[–] Molly-31 13 years ago

You should read some of the writings by medieval (and a few more recent) saints about their relationship with Jesus. They were serious about taking the veil being a form of marriage to him. Some of it reads like very elegant pornography. Look up St. Teresa of Avila and her statue by Bernini, and don't say I didn't warn you.

Don't forget your tsvets!

[–] ccoutroulos 13 years ago

This scene is actually a change from the book, in which it is explicitly stated "that her [Gabrielle's] congregation did not send its postulants to vesture attired as real brides." Makes it a bit more interesting, though.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] gribfritz2 12 years ago

I don't know of any other religion where you "marry" your God. I'm guessing entering holy matrimony with a supreme being is what seems so creepy.

[–] bron-tay 12 years ago

My mom went to Catholic schools back when there were still lots of nuns available to teach (nowadays there aren't many) and she said they all said they wore wedding dresses when they became "brides of Christ."

You can also see this in the opening shots of that godawful movie with Susan Sarandon, Dead Man Walking, where it's depicted as something a bit odd and mysterious, a bunch of girls standing around with big smiles and wedding gowns and bouquets. Then you "get" it when they turn up in habits in the next shots.

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