Epilogue: Female Hair in Christian Iconography

Abstract

The psychosocial significance of hair and a religious connotation are well appreciated. In a monograph entitled The Unconscious Significance of Hair, Berg reviewed the anthropological literature on hair and emphasized its significance in many rituals. Hair has been recognized to have two perceived symbolic meanings in a spiritual context: shaven hair is a symbol of celibacy and chastity and, in contrast, uncut hair is seen as a withdrawal from worldly concern and vanities. It is the objective of this chapter to review the peculiarities of female hair and its condition in relation to the lives or depictions of the Saints in Christian art.

O glorious St. Agnes, you served God in humility and

confidence on earth and are now in the enjoyment of

His beatific Vision in heaven because you persevered

till death and gained the crown of eternal life.

Remember now the dangers that surround me in the

vale of tears, and intercede for me in my needs and

troubles. Amen.

Prayer to St. Agnes of Rome