Hagiography Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hagiography
[หhรฆษกiหษษกrษfi ]
Definition
biography accounts
Hagiography is a biography of a saint or an ecclesiastical leader. These writings are often more concerned with the sanctity and miracles of the individual than with biographical accuracy. Hagiographies can serve both religious and literary purposes, providing inspiration to the faithful and preserving the historical memory of saints.
Synonyms
biographical account, sacred biography, saint's life.
Examples of usage
- The hagiography of St. Francis emphasizes his miraculous deeds.
- Many hagiographies highlight the moral lessons taught by saints.
- The church commissioned a hagiography to promote veneration.
- Studying hagiographies helps in understanding early Christian beliefs.
- She wrote a hagiography that became widely read in the community.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Hagiographies often serve as a form of religious literature, inspiring followers and preserving cultural heritage.
- Many famous religious texts, such as 'The Golden Legend', compile hagiographies of numerous saints.
- Modern hagiographies can focus on noteworthy figures in various fields, like science or politics, highlighting their admirable traits.
Cultural Significance
- These writings have been crucial in shaping how communities remember and honor their heroes or saints.
- In some cultures, hagiographies also reflect societal values and ideals, showcasing what is considered virtuous behavior.
- They can be seen as both a storytelling form and a means of moral teaching in different cultures.
Psychology
- Hagiographies often create an idealized perception of the subject, which can influence followersโ belief systems.
- People may find comfort and motivation in the exaggerated positive traits outlined in these narratives.
- Studying such writings can reveal how societies construct identity through the glorification of certain individuals.
Art and Media
- Visual arts often draw from hagiographies to create iconic representations of saints and virtuous figures.
- Films and documentaries have allowed hagiographies to reach broader audiences, adapting traditional narratives into modern storytelling.
- The popularity of certain figures can lead to a resurgence in hagiographical works, influenced by cultural trends and media coverage.
Origin of 'hagiography'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'hagios', meaning holy, and 'graphia', meaning writing.
- Its first recorded use in English dates back to the 19th century, although similar writings have been around for centuries.
- Originally, hagiographies were written to document the lives of saints, emphasizing their virtues.
The term 'hagiography' is derived from the Greek words 'hagios', meaning 'holy' or 'sacred', and 'graphia', which means 'writing' or 'scripture'. This word was first introduced into the English language in the late 19th century, primarily to describe texts written about saints and religious figures. Historically, hagiography served as an important literary form in Christian tradition, helping to establish the lives and virtues of saints while often enhancing the narratives with miraculous elements. These writings not only aimed to educate readers about the lives of the holy figures but also sought to inspire faith and devotion among the readers. In addition to Christian contexts, similar biographical forms can be found in other religious traditions, reflecting the universal human interest in the lives of exemplary individuals.