This was originally posted by evergreen on the community forum.
Here you go Deborah, be prepared! (Notice the the mention of the Ephesians):
Gird Your Loins With Truth?
By John D. Cooper
THE LITERAL MEANING:
Mainstream Christian views on this passage often agree that Paul was in prison and looking at a Roman soldier's uniform when writing this letter to the Ephesians. When Paul mentions, "having your loins girt about with truth" (Eph 6:14, KJV), he is referring to our protecting the pelvic region of the body (which is very vulnerable). This action was common practice for most of the people living in this era, not just the Roman soldiers.
To gird your loins during the Roman Era meant to draw-up and tie your lower garment between your legs as to increase your mobility and agility. This prevented the loose ends of the tunic from becoming snagged on something or entangled with your feet which would cause you to stumble or fall down when moving about quickly.
How to gird your loins:
This was accomplished by pulling up the fabric of the knee-length tunic so the length in front stopped at your upper thigh, and collecting the excess material in your front. (You pull the material forward so the back of your tunic is snug against your backside.) Next, you tuck the extra front material down between your legs and gather it behind you. At this point, you collect half of the material behind you evenly on each side of your back (left and right). The final step involves wrapping each side of the material around your waist and tying it together in front.