Source edition
Tertullian. Quinti Septimii Florentis Tertulliani Quae Supersunt Omnia, Volume 1. Oehler, Franz, editor. Leipzig: Weigel, 1853.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a theological and ethical treatise exhorting Christian women to reject worldly luxury and makeup in favor of modest attire befitting Christian virtue. The author begins by reminding women of their inheritance of Eve's original sin, arguing that gold, silver, and precious stones are base materials introduced by fallen angels with impure motives. He strongly criticizes artificial cosmetics, hair dyeing, and elaborate wigs as acts of rebellion against God's creation and complicity with the devil. Extending his warning to elderly women and even to men obsessed with grooming, he asserts that true chastity (pudicitia) must manifest not only in the soul but also in outward simplicity. Ultimately, the work concludes that casting off secular vanity and maintaining a solemn appearance serves as vital spiritual preparation for times of martyrdom and a demonstration of obedience to God.