Roman Catholics show their respect and humility for the Pope by kissing his feet.

Christians who practice foot washing today do so to bring them closer to Jesus and to fill them with a sense of humility and service. įoot washing, or ceremonial washing of others' feet, is associated with humility in Christianity, and Jesus Christ is recorded in the New Testament as washing the feet of his disciples to serve them during the Last Supper. Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest holy ground ( Exodus 3:5).Īnyone entering a mosque or a Hindu temple, including a visitor, is expected to remove his or her shoes racks for the storage of shoes are usually provided at the entrance. For example, in the Book of Exodus, Moses was instructed to remove his shoes before approaching the burning bush: In many religions, it is common to remove shoes when entering a place considered holy. Some Christian churches practice barefoot pilgrimage traditions, such as the ascent of Croagh Patrick in Ireland at night while barefoot. It is customary in Judaism and some Christian denominations to go barefoot while mourning. Going barefoot generally symbolizes poverty. Some religious practitioners have taken a vow of Gospel poverty, while there are certain convents where going barefoot is obligatory ( Convent of Las Descalzas Reales, Poor Clares, Colettine Poor Clares). In most religions, the exposure of bare feet is regarded as a sign of humility and subjection. It was first used in the early 20th century Religious aspects The phrase barefoot and pregnant is now used to illustrate a woman's traditional role as a homemaker and thus her lack of opportunities to socialize or to have a career outside of the home. ĭuring the Middle Ages, going barefoot was seen as a mark of poverty and the lowest social class, as well as being the mark of a prisoner. Roman clothing explicitly including footwear was seen as a sign of power and as a necessity of living in a civilized world accordingly slaves usually were to remain barefoot. The Romans, who eventually conquered the Greeks and adopted many aspects of their culture, did not adopt the Greek perception of footwear and clothing. Monks line up barefoot to accept their late morning meal offered by donors.Īthletes in the Ancient Olympic Games participated barefoot and generally unclothed. Buddhist monks in Mahagandhayon Monastery ( Amarapura, Myanmar).

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