Nun facts for kids
A nun is a woman who chooses to dedicate her life to a religion. She makes special promises, called vows, to live a religious life. In the Roman Catholic faith, nuns are often said to "take the veil." This is a symbol of their new life. While many people think of Catholic nuns, women become nuns in different forms of Christianity and in other religions like Buddhism. A fully ordained Buddhist nun is called a bhikkhuni or bhiksuni. A nun is like the female version of a monk.
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What is a Nun?
A nun is a woman who has decided to give her life to God or to a spiritual path. She lives a life of prayer and service. Nuns often live together in a special community called a convent or monastery. They follow specific rules and traditions of their religious order.
Why Do Women Become Nuns?
Women become nuns for many reasons. Some feel a strong call from God to serve Him fully. Others want to dedicate their lives to helping people in need. Many nuns find deep peace and purpose in their spiritual journey. They commit to a life of simplicity, prayer, and helping others.
Different Kinds of Nuns
Nuns can be found in many different religions around the world.
- Christian Nuns: In Christianity, nuns are most common in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches. They often belong to different "orders," like the Benedictines or the Missionaries of Charity. Each order has its own special focus, such as teaching, nursing, or quiet prayer.
- Buddhist Nuns: In Buddhism, women can become nuns called bhikkhunis or bhiksunis. They follow the teachings of the Buddha and live a life of meditation and study. They often live in temples or monasteries.
What Do Nuns Do?
The daily life of a nun can vary a lot depending on her religious order.
- Prayer and Worship: Prayer is a central part of a nun's life. They spend time each day in personal prayer and often attend church services or group prayers.
- Community Life: Nuns live together in a community. They share meals, chores, and support each other in their spiritual journey.
- Service and Work: Many nuns work in schools, hospitals, orphanages, or homes for the elderly. They might also do charity work, help the poor, or work in their convents. Some nuns live a more secluded life, focusing mainly on prayer.
What Do Nuns Wear?
Many nuns wear a special uniform called a habit. This usually includes a long dress, a veil that covers their hair, and sometimes a wimple around their neck. The color and style of the habit can be different for each religious order. The habit is a symbol of their dedication to God and their simple way of life.
Famous Nuns
Throughout history, many nuns have made a big difference in the world.
- Hildegard of Bingen: She was a German nun in the Middle Ages. She was famous for her writings, music, and knowledge of medicine.
- Mother Teresa: She was a Catholic nun who founded the Missionaries of Charity. She spent her life helping the poorest and sickest people in India and around the world. She won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work.
- Saint Scholastica: She was the sister of Saint Benedict. She is known as the founder of the Benedictine nuns.
Images for kids
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St. Scholastica, sister of St. Benedict and foundress of the Benedictine nuns
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Hildegard of Bingen and her nuns
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Maria Johanna Baptista von Zweyer, Abbess of the Cistercian abbey of Wald
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Three Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in the Portal of a Church, by Armand Gautier
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Bridgettine Sisters at the March For Life in Washington, D.C., January 2009
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Mother Teresa, founder of the Missionaries of Charity
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Saint Sophia of Suzdal, wearing the full monastic habit of a Schemanun
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Nun in Gradac, Serbian orthodox monastery
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Ebstorf Abbey has continued as a Lutheran convent in the Benedictine tradition since 1529.
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Bursfelde Abbey has continued as a Lutheran convent since A.D. 1579
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Two Anglican nuns
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Two Birgitta sisters in Sweden 2019.
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A Chinese nun ascending steps on Mount Putuo Shan island
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Sister Rosália Sehnem of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity
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A sister of the Theresienne Sisters of Basankusu wearing a brightly coloured habit, riding a motor-bike, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2013
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A Ugandan nun teaching during a community service day
See also
In Spanish: Monja para niños
