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Document Details : Title: Le rire dans l'hagiographie cistercienne Subtitle: L'éclairage de la Vita Beatricis Author(s): DELAISSÉ, Éric Journal: Ons Geestelijk Erf Volume: 89 Issue: 3-4 Date: 2018 Pages: 275-293 DOI: 10.2143/OGE.89.3.3287357 Abstract : The present article examines the laughter in the monastic environment based on hagiographic Cistercian texts. The Vita Prima of saint Bernard and the vitae of several monks and nuns have been used to classify the different types of laughter and to analyze what triggers them. The joy of receiving the Communion, mystical experiences, feelings of gratitude, or performing asceticism are all situations that generate euphoric phenomena. The reactions of both those witnessing the laughter scene and those subjected to laughter are being considered. The texts show the concerns of the authors about the laughter: they almost always disapprove them, or at least recommend moderation. In addition, the present study pays attention at the place given to joy and smile in the Cistercian monasteries. The Vita Beatricis provides very useful insights allowing to address all these aspects. Even if Beatrice felt uncomfortable when laughing publicly and losing control, the vita still shows how much joy and even laughter were integrated parts of mystic Cistercian life. |
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