Piety, Practicality, and Precious Stones : Decoding Symbolism of Girdle Books

Abstract

A rare find these days, a girdle book, was once a powerful symbol of piety, status, and even fashion. The girdle book was one of the clever medieval book technologies that allowed it to be used anytime, anywhere. For monks and religious people, it was very convenient to have their breviary at work and on the road to have their ‘hands free’. The travelling pious people also favoured keeping girdle books within reach and taking notes on the go. Apart from being practical, the girdle book also symbolised religious devotion, knowledge and social status. For noble women it was a treasure to get a small book of hours or prayer book that they would wear on a golden chain or on their belt. It would demonstrate their literacy but also symbolise their status, fashion, and taste.