Cilice Belt

A cilice belt is an accessory worn near the skin that is intended to cause discomfort. Originally, religious people wore it as a sign of atonement and contrition.

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A cilice is not intended to injure or inflict agony on the user, unlike the notion that was popularized by the Hollywood film The Da Vinci Code. There should be some discomfort but no pain, bleeding, or other health effects. The justifications for religious fasting and cilice wearing are comparable.