Maiden Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
maiden
[หmeษชd(ษ)n ]
Definitions
young woman
A maiden is a young woman, especially one who is unmarried. The term is often used in a poetic or romantic context to refer to a young, innocent woman.
Synonyms
girl, lass, young woman.
Examples of usage
- She was a beautiful maiden with long flowing hair.
- The knight fell in love with the fair maiden at first sight.
virgin
In a more traditional sense, a maiden can also refer to a virgin, a woman who has not had sexual intercourse.
Synonyms
chaste woman, pure woman, virgin.
Examples of usage
- She vowed to remain a maiden until marriage.
- The ancient ritual required a maiden to be sacrificed to the gods.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic literature, maidens often symbolize purity and virtue, frequently appearing in stories as heroines.
- Shakespeare often used maidens in his plays to represent innocence and the complexities of love.
- Charlemagne, in medieval romances, is known to have rescued maidens, showing the trope of knights saving young women.
Cultural Significance
- Traditionally, maidens have been celebrated in various cultures through festivals that honor their roles in family and society.
- In fairy tales, maidens often embark on quests that lead to personal growth and adventure, such as finding true love.
- The concept of maidenhood has been idealized in art and music, often portraying themes of beauty, grace, and innocence.
Pop Culture
- The term 'maidens' features in popular sports, such as the Maiden VIII, a rowing category for amateur female crews.
- Musical references to maidens often evoke themes of romance and fantasy, like in many ballads and folk songs.
- In movies, maidens are commonly portrayed in roles that highlight their strength and resilience, challenging traditional stereotypes.
Historical Context
- In ancient societies, maidens often held significant roles in rituals, symbolizing fertility and the transition to womanhood.
- Historical laws in some cultures regulated the rights of maidens, especially concerning marriage and inheritance.
- During the Victorian era, the notion of the 'maiden' was central to discussions about morality and womenโs roles in society.
Origin of 'maiden'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'maiden' comes from the Old English 'mรฆgden,' which means 'young woman' or 'girl.'
- In Middle English, it was often used to refer to a virgin or a girl who had not yet married.
- The term has been used in literature since ancient times to denote innocence or youth.
The word 'maiden' has its origins in Middle English, from the Old English 'mรฆgden' which means 'virgin' or 'unmarried woman'. It has been used in English literature and poetry for centuries to evoke images of youth, innocence, and purity.