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Novice
Novice
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A novice is a person who has entered a religious order and is under probation, before taking vows. A novice can also refer to a person (or animal e.g. racehorse) who is entering a profession with no prior experience.

Religion

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Buddhism

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Buddhist novices in Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Bhutan

In many Buddhist orders, a man or woman who intends to take ordination must first become a novice, adopting part of the monastic code indicated in the vinaya and studying in preparation for full ordination. The name for this level of ordination varies from one tradition to another. In Pali, the word is samanera, which means 'small monk' or 'boy monk'.[citation needed]

Christianity

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Catholicism

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The novice is at left, wearing a white veil. The habit of a novice often differs from that of the full professed sisters.

A novice in Catholic canon law and tradition is a prospective member of a religious order who is being tried and assessed for suitability of admission to a religious order of priests, religious brothers, or religious sisters, whether the community is one of monks or has an apostolate. After initial contact with the community, and usually a period of time as a postulant (a period of candidacy in which the aspirant lives with the community), the person will be received as a novice in a ceremony that most often involves being clothed with the religious habit (traditional garb) of the particular religious community. The novice's habit is often slightly different from those of professed members of the order. For instance, in communities of women that wear a black veil, novices often wear a white one, sometimes, for example among the Trappists, also a white scapular instead of the black of the professed; among Franciscan communities of men, novices wear an additional shirt-like chest piece over the traditional Franciscan robe; Carthusian novices wear a dark cloak over the usual white habit; etc.

Novices are not admitted to vows until they have successfully completed the prescribed period of training and proving, called the novitiate. This usually lasts at least one year, the minimum required by Canon Law, though in some orders and communities it is two. Novices typically have cells or a dormitory in separate areas within a monastery or community and are under the direct supervision of a novice master or novice mistress.

Evangelical Lutheranism

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In communities belonging to the Evangelical-Lutheran Churches, the period of the novitiate starts after postulancy.[1][2] The period of postulancy depends on the specific Evangelical-Lutheran monastery or convent. For example, for the Sisters of St. Francis at Klaradals Convent, the time spent as a novice is typically two to three years.[1] In the Order of Lutheran Franciscans, this period lasts for a minimum of five years.[2]

Anglicanism

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In Anglicanism, the novitiate is the period of time where a novice is trained as a member of the religious order or monastery.[3]

Eastern Orthodoxy

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In the Eastern Orthodox Church, a candidate may be clothed as a novice (Slavonic: послушник, poslushnik, literally "one under obedience") by the hegumen (abbot) or hegumenia (abbess) after at least three days in the monastery. There is no formal ceremony for the clothing of a novice; he or she is simply given the riassa, belt and skoufos. Novice nuns additionally wear a veil (apostolnik) that covers the head and neck. A novice is also given a prayer rope and instructed in the use of the Jesus Prayer. In large communities, the new novice may be assigned a starets (spiritual father or spiritual mother) who will guide his (or her) spiritual development. Frequent confession of sins and participation in the sacred mysteries (sacraments) of the church is an important part of Orthodox monastic life.

A novice is free to leave the monastery at any time, and the superior is free to dismiss the novice at any time if, for instance, they feel that the novice is not called to monasticism or if there have been issues of discipline. If, however, the novice perseveres, after a period of around three years, the hegumen may choose to clothe them in the first (beginning) rank of monasticism: the rassaphore.

Bruderhof

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In the Bruderhof Communities, which are a Conservative Anabaptist denomination, novices are those who are interested in becoming members. They take part in the life of the Church.[4] "Until accepted into membership, they retain ownership of any property not expressly contributed, but they must disclose their temporal affairs and must make arrangements with the community for how these are to be managed during their novitiate."[4] After the novitiate period, novices may request to become members of the Bruderhof Community.[4]

Mandaeism

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In Mandaeism, novices who are being initiated into the Mandaean priesthood are called šualia (Classical Mandaic: ࡔࡅࡀࡋࡉࡀ).[5]

Sports

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In National Hunt racing, a novice is a horse that has not won a race under a particular code (either chasing or hurdling) before the current season.[6]

In figure skating competitions, novice has two meanings. For the U.S. Figure Skating Association, it refers to a skill level, while the International Skating Union uses it to designate age.

Novice is a level of minor hockey in Canada. Novice players are usually between the ages of 7 and 8.

In the sport of crew (rowing), the term is used for an athlete in their first year of competition.

In many sports, a novice athlete competing in their first season or league is often referred to as a rookie, and outstanding novice athletes can win Rookie of the Year.

Online communities

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With the rise of the internet, a "novice" could be a person who is a newcomer to a particular website, forum, or other social community. These people are usually inexperienced and unfamiliar with the traditions and protocols surrounding that community.

Generally derogatory slang terms include "newbie" and the more derogatory "noob". Newbie is mostly used as a descriptor or qualifier, a name given to novices by more experienced users or community members to indicate someone who just entered the community and is eager to learn and participate. Noob is a word used to insult or deride novices who are disrespectful, uninterested, or unwilling to learn.

In gamer culture, a newbie is an inexperienced player with a low level, rank, or in-game abilities but wants to participate and improve, and a noob is a bad player who seems disinterested in learning or teamwork and trolls other players.

Dealing with newcomers

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Online communities have five basic problems regarding newcomers: recruitment, selection, retention, socialization, and protection.[7]

Recruitment in online communities is about advertising to recruits and ensuring there is a healthy amount of newcomers because without newcomers, online communities can fail to survive. There many different methods that online communities use to recruit new members. For example, Blizzard entertainment used both impersonal advertisement (TV, print, online advertisement) and interpersonal advertisement (recruit-a-friend promotion) to recruit new players for World of Warcraft.[8]

Selection in online communities is about making sure that the newcomers will be a good fit in the community. This is very important because a better fit is more likely to be beneficial for the community, since better fit newcomers stay in the group longer when they join and are more satisfied with their membership. One way that selection works in online communities is through the process of self-selection, in which the potential members decide themselves to join a community based on the information about the community available to them. Another way of selection is through screening, in which the community selects certain members who they believe will be a good fit.[9]

Retention in online communities is about making sure that the newcomers stick around and stay long enough to become more committed members, who take on more important responsibilities and begin to be identify themselves with the group. One way that online communities work on retention is through the use of entry barriers and initiation rituals because making it difficult to join should increase their commitment. For example, in World of Warcraft, newcomers have to play with other guild members for at least about a month to join.[10]

Socialization in online communities about the rest of community interacting with newcomer and teaching them the guidelines and standards of the community. For example, in World of Warcraft, old member show the newcomers ropes, by coaching them, helping them with quests, and providing mentorship in general.[11]

Protection in online communities is about protecting the community from the newcomers. Since newcomers still have not established themselves with the group or still may be unfamiliar with the norms of the community, the rest of the community has to beware of the potential damage that they can cause. One way to deal with the threats is through the use of sandboxes, which allows newcomers to try out the features and learn about the tools without causing damage to the community.[12]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A novice is a who is new to and inexperienced in a particular occupation, activity, or field, often requiring guidance or to develop proficiency. The term is commonly used to describe beginners in various domains, such as , , or crafts, where the individual lacks prior expertise and is still learning the fundamentals. For instance, a novice driver might refer to someone who has recently obtained a and is unfamiliar with conditions. In religious contexts, a holds a specific and formal role as a probationary member admitted to a or community, undergoing a period of intensive formation, , and discernment before making perpetual vows. This stage, known as the , requires at least twelve months spent in the novitiate community and does not exceed two years, serving to test the candidate's commitment and suitability for , during which they may leave or be dismissed at any time. Such novices are instructed in the community's rule, spiritual practices, and apostolic work, with the process governed by in traditions like Catholicism. The word "novice" originates from the Middle English "novice," borrowed from Old French and ultimately from the Latin "novicius" or "novitius," meaning "new," "newly arrived," or "inexperienced." Its earliest recorded use in English dates to the 14th century, initially emphasizing the religious probationary sense before broadening to general inexperience by the 16th century. Today, synonyms like "beginner," "tyro," or "neophyte" convey similar ideas, though "novice" retains a connotation of structured initiation in professional or institutional settings.

Definition and Origins

General Meaning

A novice is an individual new to a , activity, , or , characterized by a lack of and often subject to a period of learning or . This foundational meaning emphasizes initial involvement without mastery, applicable across diverse domains from hobbies to professions. In everyday language, "novice" highlights inexperience independent of formal structures, as in a "novice driver" navigating roads for the first time or a "" planting without prior . It contrasts with "apprentice," which denotes a formally bound to an or mentor for a fixed period to acquire specific trade skills, implying a contractual relationship rather than mere probationary status. Similarly, while "" serves as a for a complete beginner unskilled in a pursuit, "novice" more distinctly evokes a transitional phase of or . The term has prevailed in English since the , broadening from early associations with probationary membership—such as in , where it signifies a under before vows—to its current secular emphasis on beginner status.

Etymology and History

The term "novice" originates from the Latin novicius, meaning "newly arrived" or "inexperienced," derived from novus, signifying "new." This root reflects the concept of someone newly entering a structured community or role. The word entered as novice around the , carrying connotations of probationary status in religious contexts. From there, it was borrowed into , with the earliest recorded use appearing in 1340 in the devotional text Ayenbite of Inwyt (also known as Ayenbite of Inwyt), where it denoted a probationer in a religious order. In early monastic traditions, the notion of a novice as a probationary member was formalized in key texts, such as the Rule of St. Benedict composed in the 6th century. Chapter 58 of the Rule outlines the reception and formation of novices (novitii in the original Latin), prescribing a year-long period of testing under the guidance of a senior monk to discern commitment to monastic life. This framework emphasized spiritual preparation, humility, and obedience, setting a precedent for structured initiation that influenced subsequent medieval religious orders across Europe. The term's religious exclusivity persisted through the Middle Ages, primarily associated with entry into convents or monasteries as a preparatory stage before full vows. By the early , the meaning of "novice" began shifting from its strictly sense to encompass any inexperienced individual new to a pursuit or circumstance, marking the onset of broader secular . This evolution paralleled the spread of monastic probationary models into lay institutions like craft guilds, where analogous apprentice systems required extended training periods akin to a , though while analogous systems spread to secular institutions like craft guilds (often termed apprenticeships), the term "novice" retained a stronger religious association until its broader metaphorical use in the . Such linguistic expansion highlighted the enduring influence of medieval religious structures on concepts of learning and initiation in European society.

Religious Contexts

Christianity

In Christianity, a novice refers to a who, after an initial period as a , enters a or monastic community for a probationary phase known as the , typically lasting one to two years, to discern their and prepare for temporary or perpetual vows of , , and obedience. This stage emphasizes , testing the 's suitability for religious life, and is distinct from the general concept of a probationary period as it is rooted in and communal discernment. The process begins with postulancy, a preparatory phase of several months to a year where candidates live in the community and explore religious life, followed by admission to the novitiate. During the novitiate, novices undergo intensive formation in prayer, Scripture study, community living, and the virtues of obedience and humility, guided by a novice master or director as required by canon law. Canonical requirements include being at least 18 years old, free from marriage (or obtaining a dispensation if previously married), and possessing no impediments such as debts or ongoing legal issues that would hinder full commitment. The novitiate concludes with first vows, marking transition to junior professed status, though novices retain the freedom to leave without obligation. Denominational variations reflect theological and structural differences. In Roman Catholicism, the is strictly regulated by the Code of Canon Law, requiring at least 12 months (extendable to two years), with a focus on integral human and spiritual development; for example, the Society of Jesus () mandates a two-year emphasizing the and apostolic experimentation. In , novices enter a period of obedience and trial, often focusing on hesychastic prayer practices and ascetic discipline, culminating in small as a step toward full , without a fixed universal duration but typically one to three years under the guidance of a spiritual father. Anglican religious communities, such as the Society of St. , adopt a less formalized approach aligned with Anglican , where novices undergo formation in prayer, study, and ministry under a novice guardian, often for one to two years, emphasizing discernment within the broader church context rather than strict canonical vows. In , monastic-like orders are rare due to emphases, but contemplative communities like the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary maintain a process involving communal prayer, repentance-focused spirituality, and preparation for lifelong sisterhood vows, typically spanning one to two years. Historically, the novitiate structure was formalized in Catholic orders through figures like St. Ignatius of Loyola, who established the Jesuit novitiate in the as a foundational two-year period of rigorous spiritual training, including the 30-day retreat based on his , to foster interior freedom and missionary zeal among novices. In recent decades, while vocations have declined overall, interest in persists amid global church challenges. Novices often adopt a as a symbol of their probationary commitment, distinct from that of fully professed members; in Catholicism, this may include a simplified or white garment signifying purity and mercy, while in , novices wear the inner riasa () and a soft without full monastic attire until . These symbols underscore the novice's transitional role, fostering detachment from worldly concerns during formation.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, a novice, referred to as sāmaṇera (male) or sāmaṇerī (female) in Pali, is an aspiring monastic who undergoes the initial pabbajja ordination ceremony, committing to observe the ten precepts as a preparatory stage before full upasampada ordination as a bhikkhu or bhikkhuni. These precepts include abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, intoxicants, untimely eating, entertainment, luxurious bedding, adornments, and handling money or valuables, serving as a foundation for ethical discipline and renunciation. This novice stage allows individuals, often starting from age seven or eight, to integrate into the monastic community (sangha) while training under the guidance of senior monks. The training process for novices emphasizes a structured daily routine centered on , scriptural study, and communal duties to cultivate and adherence to the , the monastic code. A typical day begins at around 4:00 a.m. with waking, followed by morning chanting, group , and alms rounds (pindapata) where novices beg for food to foster and detachment from material possessions; afternoons involve studying , particularly the and suttas, while evenings feature additional and reflection. The duration of novice training varies but generally lasts until the individual reaches age twenty, the minimum for full ordination, often spanning several years to ensure readiness for the 227 precepts of a fully ordained . Variations in novice practices exist across Buddhist traditions, reflecting regional and doctrinal differences. In , prevalent in , novices undergo strict gender separation, shave their heads as a symbol of , and focus on studies, with temporary ordinations common for young boys during school holidays. traditions, such as in , incorporate intensive retreats for novices, emphasizing prolonged () alongside precept observance, while allowing some flexibility in communal living. In Tibetan Vajrayana, novices (getsul or dge tshul) vow to follow 36 precepts, including and non-violence, and may include non-celibate lay practitioners (ngakpa) who don ritual robes but remain householders. Historically, the novice tradition traces back to the time of in the 5th century BCE, as documented in the , where his son Rahula became the first novice through pabbajja, exemplifying the progression from lay life to monastic discipline. The Pitaka outlines the rules and procedures for novices, ensuring their integration into the early amid growing communities in ancient . Today, in Southeast Asian countries like , , and , hundreds of thousands of novices—many temporarily ordained—contribute to the , with estimates suggesting tens of thousands of child novices across the region supporting monastic and preservation of teachings. Novices wear simple kāṣāya robes, typically in , , or hues, symbolizing and equality within the ; these consist of three cloths—an under-robe (antaravasaka), upper robe (uttarasaṅga), and outer robe (saṅghāti)—sewn from plain fabric to avoid ostentation. In contexts, the robes are dyed with natural to denote humility, while Tibetan novices may wear additional layers for warmth and purposes, always maintaining the basic form prescribed in the .

Mandaeism and Other Traditions

In , a Gnostic religion with roots tracing to the 1st to CE in the region of ancient , novices known as tarmida (junior priests) undergo a rigorous process that emphasizes purity and , or masbuta, as a probationary step toward full priesthood. The tarmida , which spans approximately 68 days, involves multiple baptisms in flowing water symbolizing the tradition, serving to cleanse the novice of impurities and connect them to the divine lightworld. This process includes a three-stage baptismal sequence: initial immersion by the novice, assisted immersion by a senior priest (rba tarmida), and crowning with a myrtle wreath, all performed to affirm spiritual rebirth and adherence to gnostic knowledge. Novices, drawn exclusively from hereditary priestly family lines within the Nasoraean (priestly) clan, play a central role in preserving Mandaean oral and textual traditions, such as the , through memorization and recitation, ensuring the continuity of this esoteric faith amid its rarity—Mandaeism counts around 70,000 adherents globally as of 2025. In other traditions, novice roles similarly mark probationary commitments through initiatory practices. In , sadhaka or aspiring novices enter a period where they observe partial vows (anuvratas), such as limited non-violence, truthfulness, and non-possession, as a preparatory phase before full into monkhood or nunhood, where they take the complete great vows (mahavratas). This stepwise progression underscores gradual detachment from worldly attachments, with the novice's immersion in ascetic discipline fostering ethical purity essential to Jain spiritual liberation. Among indigenous and pagan revival traditions, such as , dedicants serve as novices in a year-and-a-day probationary phase before formal into the first degree, during which they study rituals, ethics, and lore while making personal vows of dedication to the , deities, and oaths. This dedicant stage emphasizes self-purification and community integration, culminating in a symbolic death-and-rebirth ritual that elevates the novice to full practitioner status, highlighting Wicca's adaptive, initiatory structure in . These practices across traditions illustrate the novice's role in bridging lay devotion and sacred authority through ritual probation, often tied to purity and communal preservation.

Secular Applications

Sports Competitions

In organized sports competitions, the term "novice" designates entry-level divisions for athletes with minimal prior competitive , such as those who have not participated in national-level events or achieved qualifying wins, thereby promoting equitable play and foundational acquisition among . This classification prevents novices from competing against seasoned athletes, fostering an environment where participants can develop techniques without the intimidation of elite pressure. Key examples illustrate the application of novice categories across disciplines. In , governed by British Rowing, novice status applies to newcomers, typically in their first 1.5 years of competitive rowing, with Primary events restricted to those who have not won qualifying , or masters events. Such events are staples in regattas, including those affiliated with historic gatherings like the , where first-year oarsmen compete in junior or club events to build proficiency. In and , entry-level age divisions under organizations like the United States Ski & Snowboard Association (USASA) target young beginners, often aligning with ability levels for those new to terrain beyond basic green runs, emphasizing controlled turns and stops on gentle slopes. Cycling provides another prominent case through , where the novice category serves as the starting point for new racers, limited to those without prior category upgrades and focused on introductory distances and fields. Eligibility and progression rules for novice divisions emphasize time-limited or performance-based advancement to encourage steady growth. In many federations, athletes remain eligible for 1-2 years or until accumulating a set number of races—such as a minimum of five races in —after which they must upgrade via points earned from finishes, transitioning to intermediate categories like Category 5. Rowing follows a similar model, where novice status ends upon demonstrated capability for non-Primary events, typically within the first competitive season, allowing progression to open or senior events. These structures benefit participants by providing low-stakes opportunities for technique refinement and confidence-building, reducing dropout rates among beginners. The novice category originated in 19th-century British rowing clubs, where early regattas and university races, such as those at and starting in the 1810s and 1820s, introduced beginner classifications to accommodate influxes of inexperienced oarsmen amid the sport's rising popularity. Contemporary trends in novice competitions reflect broader inclusivity, with many leagues and national federations integrating these divisions into pathways toward higher-level events, including qualifiers for international meets like the Olympics, where former novices often advance through structured circuits.

Online and Digital Communities

In and digital communities, the term "novice" often manifests as like "" or "noob," referring to newcomers lacking familiarity with platform norms, tools, or . These users may initially adopt a "" role, observing discussions without contributing, which characterizes up to 90% of participants in asynchronous groups according to the widely observed of engagement. The term "" emerged in the mid-1980s on , derived from for inexperienced recruits, and quickly carried a for those disrupting established . Communities implement mechanisms to manage novices, such as probationary phases involving or introductory requirements to curb spam and foster integration. On , subreddits commonly enforce minimum account age (e.g., 7-30 days) and karma thresholds (typically 10-200 points) before new users can post or comment, while user flairs like "new user" help moderators identify and guide beginners. Discord servers frequently assign novice roles with restricted channel access, limiting new members to read-only or verification channels until they complete steps like rule acknowledgment or intro posts, promoting safer community entry. In massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), novice zones provide protected starting areas for low-level players, shielding them from advanced competitors and allowing skill-building in low-risk environments, as seen in titles like and Guild Wars 2. The perception of novices has evolved from the 1990s era, where "newbie" stigma led to exclusionary behaviors like flaming, to contemporary protocols emphasizing inclusion and . By the mid-2000s, "noob" overtook "newbie" in usage, often in gaming contexts, but platforms now prioritize welcoming strategies; for instance, surveys indicate that 77% of users join communities to discover new content, underscoring the value of supportive novice experiences. This shift reflects broader growth, with online communities retaining novices through structured guidance rather than derision. Culturally, the "noob" label has inspired memes mocking inexperience, such as leetspeak taunts ("n00b") in forums and games, perpetuating a humorous yet sometimes alienating trope that highlights hierarchies. In contrast, platforms like have introduced positive initiatives, including guided tours and reputation-building tips for new users, to counteract early criticisms of hostility and encourage sustained participation among programming novices.

Education and Professional Training

In educational , the concept of the novice learner is prominently featured in models like the , which outlines five progressive stages from novice to expert. At the novice stage, learners possess little or no prior experience and rely on context-free rules and instructions to perform tasks, lacking the ability to make situational judgments. This model, originally developed by brothers Stuart and in the 1980s, has been widely applied in fields such as and to structure learning experiences that build from rule-based competence toward intuitive expertise. In STEM classrooms, novice-friendly curricula emphasize hands-on activities and real-world applications to accommodate beginners, such as integrating collaborative projects and simplified problem-solving frameworks to reduce cognitive overload and foster early skill development. Professionally, novice positions often manifest as entry-level roles or internships, where individuals receive structured to transition into competent practitioners. Historically, these roles evolved from medieval systems, where apprentices served under master craftsmen for years to learn trades through and practice, a tradition that formalized skill transmission in from the 12th century onward. For instance, novice teachers typically undergo during their initial years, participating in induction programs that provide guidance on and lesson planning to support their progression. Key processes for novice integration include onboarding programs and probationary periods, which help evaluate fit and build foundational skills. In tech firms, these often span 6 to 12 months, involving orientation sessions, goal-setting, and performance reviews to accelerate adaptation and retention. In medicine, interns function as novices during their first postgraduate year, rotating through clinical teams under supervision to apply theoretical knowledge in real patient care settings, a phase marked by high learning demands and reliance on protocols. Similarly, in law, articling serves as a novice training period, typically lasting 10 months in jurisdictions like Ontario, where students work under licensed lawyers to gain practical experience in legal research, drafting, and client interaction. Modern labor studies indicate that approximately 52% of employee turnover occurs within the first year for novices, underscoring the need for robust support structures. Competency frameworks further aid this progression by defining essential knowledge, skills, and behaviors for entry-level roles, such as those outlined by public health organizations to guide novice professionals in core areas like communication and ethical decision-making.

References

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