The Cistercians, a Catholic order of monks and nuns, originated from the Benedictines and adhere to the Rule of St. Benedict and Bernard of Clairvaux's teachings. Named after Cistercium, the Latin term for Cîteaux in France, this order was established in 1098 by Benedictine monks from Molesme. By the 1130s and 1140s, they grew significantly by integrating independent religious communities.

Cistercians

The expansion of the Cistercian Order

For about 300 years, from about 800 to 1130, little is known about the small settlement of Haholdesprunnen near the Schwabach springs. This changed with the establishment of a monastery by Bishop Otto of Bamberg, although it is unclear which order he originally intended for the site. The first documented reference to the Cistercians appears in a papal decree of 1141. Notably, Bernard of Clairvaux visited Bamberg in 1135 and may have influenced Otto's support for the Cistercians, who emerged from a reform movement aimed at revitalising monastic life, similar to the later reforms of figures such as Martin Luther. A total of 91 men's monasteries were founded in what would become France, beginning with a group of monks at the Burgundian monastery of Molès who sought to adhere strictly to the Rule of Benedict. A duke's vassal gave them marshy land 22 kilometres south of Dijon. The first German Cistercian monastery, Kamp, was founded in 1123, followed by Ebrach in 1127 and Walkenried shortly afterwards. Although women's convents were not accepted into the order until 1190, by the 12th century there were already 15 women's convents in Germany. The 13th century saw a 'founding boom', with some 100 Cistercian nunneries founded in the German-speaking world between 1200 and 1250, with Heilsbronn being the 67th Cistercian monastery to be founded.

Bernard of Clairvaux as a teacher in the chapter house, by Jean Fouquet, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Agricultural Economy of the Monks

Reconstruction of Heilsbronn, © Christofori und Partner: The dark-coloured parts of the building are still standing today.

Heilsbronn monastery primarily focused on agricultural activities, including livestock breeding and winegrowing, notably in the Main region. However, it was not until the 15th century that fish farming became a significant endeavor. In addition to the vineyards, the monastery had around 20 granges or internal farms, which predominantly cultivated cereals such as rye, oats, and barley. Wheat cultivation was relatively minimal. Livestock farming, particularly sheep farming, was prevalent in places like Münchzell, along the Bibert river, and the Altmühl area, including Heglau and Selgenstadt. The monastery kept approximately 3,000 sheep, which played a vital role in producing parchment for the library.

(1) Habit (garment): The habit, derived from the Latin "habitus" (appearance, posture, clothing), is a functional garment that covers the body and signifies the putting on of the "new man". It dates from the 2nd to 9th centuries and is similar to the Roman tunic.

(2) Scapular (Shoulder garment/apron): Originally intended as a work apron, the scapular, when worn by Cistercians, represents the cross of Christ and the vows taken. It is a strip of cloth worn over the habit.

(3) Zingulum (belt): The belt holds the habit close to the body and symbolises the commitment to Christ and His Word. For Cistercians it is black, white during the novitiate year.

The Clothing

Coat of Arms

The "Bernardine Coat of Arms" should be differentiated from the "Cistercian Coat of Arms," which encompasses any coat of arms typically with the Cistercian Order This includes certain coats of arms that may not feature the Cistercian bar, and therefore do not directly reference the supposed coat of arms of Saint Bernard In this context, Cistercian coats of arms contrast with those of Cisterian abbeys in German-speaking regions which often stem from the Cistercian branches of Clairvaux and Morimond and display the Cistercian bar from Bernard of Clairvaux's alleged coat of arms as a prevalent heraldic symbol.

Mangouste35, CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Daily Routine

Early morning (2-3am)

Early rising: Monks rise very early, often before dawn, to begin their day with the first prayers of the day.
Night watch

Morning (3:15-4:30am)

Lauds: The morning prayer service, known as Lauds, is held in the chapel, where monks gather for hymns, psalms and readings
Meditation: Lauds may be followed by a period of personal meditation, spiritual reading or prayer.

Mid-morning (5-9am)

Work: After breakfast, monks engage in manual labour, which may include farming, crafting or maintaining the monastery. This work is seen as a way of honouring God and supporting the community
Prayer: Monks pray and worship.
Eurach Celebration: The main part of Holy Mass.
Work: Work continues

Noon (~10:30)

Noon: Noon prayer is observed, usually followed by a simple meal. Monks usually eat in silence and listen to spiritual readings.
Noon (11-12:30am)
Lunch and rest

Afternoon (2-6pm)

Prayer
Further work: The afternoon is often spent in additional work or study, sometimes involving group activities or tasks that benefit the monastery.

Evening (6-7pm)

Vespers: As evening approaches, the monks gather for vespers, a prayer service that includes more hymns and scripture readings.
Dinner: After vespers, they share a frugal dinner, again in silence, which fosters a contemplative atmosphere.

Evening (7-8pm)

Compline: The last service of the day, Compline, is held before bedtime. It is a time for reflection, evening prayer and preparation for rest.
Silence: Monks observe silence throughout the night, providing an opportunity for personal reflection and prayer before sleep.

This daily routine emphasises a balance between communal worship, individual reflection and practical work, all aimed at fostering spiritual growth and a deep connection with God.

Sales Markets and the Gingerbread Story

The monastery produced much more than it needed for itself and for the poor. In the town courts of Nuremberg, Würzburg, Eichstätt, Bamberg, etc., their products were offered and sold when they were not needed: Cereals, cereal products, meat, mainly from sheep, and parchment, wool and their processing were particularly popular, as were felt boots, which made it easier for the monks to walk in the freezing cold church. Number 11 on the map shows Heilsbronn's courtyard in Nuremberg.

It is well likely that the world-famous Nürnberger Lebkuchen originated in the nearby Heilsbronn monastery. Gingerbread was popular for its long shelf life, as it could be stored and distributed by the monks during hard times. In the famine year of 1499, the mill produced 2280 tonnes of grain, compared with around 10,000 tonnes in good years. From the 14th century onwards, the strict rules of monastic life were increasingly circumvented, and it is confirmed that from 1380 'libeti', or gingerbread, were made in the bakery next to the mill. In 1456, 7925 gingerbreads were baked, of which 316 were given to guests of the monastery.

--TECHNOKRAT (talk) 01:45, 21 August 2010 (UTC) / Root Version: Matthäus Merian - first uploaded by de:Benutzer:Hansele on de.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The site of the former monastery courtyard in Nuremberg behind the St. Lorenz church is now home to the Bavarian Ministry of Cultural Heritage (Heimatministerium).