Nun Dolls Dressed in Habits

A Nun doll collection represented the Cloistered Order Of St. Bridget from River Michigan Shrine.

        A religious habit is a distinctive set of religious clothing worn by members of a religious order. Traditionally some plain garb recognizable as a religious habit has also been worn by those leading the religious eremitic and anchoritic life, although in their case without conformity to a particular uniform style.

       In the typical Roman Catholic or Anglican orders, the habit consists of a tunic covered by a scapular and cowl, with a hood for monks or friars and a veil for nuns; in other orders it may be a distinctive form of cassock for men, or a distinctive habit and veil for women. Modern habits are sometimes eschewed in favor of a simple business suit. Catholic Canon Law requires only that it be in some way identifiable so that the person may serve as a witness of Gospel values. This requires flexibility and creativity. For instance in Turkey, a Franciscan might wear street clothes.

       In many orders, the conclusion of postulancy and the beginning of the novitiate is marked by a ceremony, during which the new novice is accepted then clothed in the community's habit by the superior. In some cases the novice's habit will be somewhat different from the customary habit: for instance, in certain orders of women that use the veil, it is common for novices to wear a white veil while professed members wear black, or if the order generally wears white, the novice wears a grey veil. Among some Franciscan communities of men, novices wear a sort of overshirt over their tunic; Carthusian novices wear a black cloak over their white habit.

       In some orders, different types or levels of profession are indicated by differences in habits.

See More Examples of Nun Dolls:

• The Doll Museum at The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods
• Nun Doll Accessories
• How to make Catholic nun, peg dolls for children
• Crochet nun's habit for peg doll by Irene Duquette
• Sew habits from Little Sisters of the Heart - Number 1011 for 18" dolls

75 nun dolls from the Archdiocese of Atlanta Archives.

Chicago magazine advertisement for "Our Little Sister" dolls from 1938.

Upper Left, "Nun Doll. 13 inches tall. Composition head; painted features. Full composition body, moving arms and legs. Dressed in black cotton regulation Nun outfit. Complete with beads. Each in box.  N. 36N136. Per dozen .....8.50."

Upper Center, "Our Little Sister Doll. This doll has a distinctive quality which endows it with universal sales appeal. Actually the vestments symbolize the real-life Sister Orders. Crucifixes, Rosary Beads, and a handsomely bound Miniature Prayer book are included with each doll. This doll will add prestige to any dealer's line and will offer continuous profit possibilities. These dolls are 13 inches high, all composition, with jointed arms and legs. They have painted eyes and beautiful facial colorings. Packed each in box. No. 36N139. Per dozen ......16.50 Each...1.50"

Upper Right, "Our Little Sister" Doll. 17 1/2 inches high. All composition, and have moving eyes with beautiful long lashes. Lips are parted showing tiny white teeth. Stately in appearance, they are realistically garbed in neatly tailored robes of the finest materials. The miniature prayer book which is included, is completely printed and beautifully bound in simulated black leather. No 36N140. Per dozen.....40.00 Each......3.50"

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