Figural Monk Stein 1/2 liter

Monks and beer...

YES, there are still many monastery breweries in Germany.

One of the first breweries in a monastery dates back to  the year 1119 (Scheyern Monastery).

In the 18th century, there were about 350 monastery breweries in Germany.
 

Why did the monasteries brew their own beer?

This was mainly for two reasons:

1. the monasteries wanted to be self-sufficient - to provide for themselves.

2. during fasting periods, beer was an important food. The monks had realized that bock beer satisfied hunger. The reason for this was the high malt content in the beer. Also, the beer could neatly cover the caloric needs.

There is no other way to explain the large quantities that each monk was allowed to drink every day:
According to tradition, each monk was allowed to drink five liters of beer a day.

Originally, beer was brewed only for the monks' own needs.

Soon, however, it was realized that the monastery could also generate some money into the monastery coffers with the sale of beer.

Why did and do monks have their heads shaved?

The original meaning of the so-called tonsure is unclear. Penitents had their heads shaved early on. In this respect, the tonsure can be interpreted as a sign of the complete devotion to God in the consecrated life.