Sainthood Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ผ
sainthood
[หseษชntสฮธ ]
Definition
religious status
Sainthood is the status of being recognized as a saint by the church or religious authority. It signifies an individualโs exceptional holiness or virtue, often exemplified through miracles attributed to them after death. The process of canonization involves extensive investigation and documentation of the individualโs life and works.
Synonyms
beatification, holiness, martyrdom, sanctity.
Examples of usage
- She dedicated her life to charity and was later granted sainthood.
- The church is in the process of reviewing evidence for her sainthood.
- His extraordinary deeds earned him the title of sainthood.
- Sainthood is often celebrated with a feast day in honor of the individual.
Translations
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Origin of 'sainthood'
The word 'sainthood' originates from the Middle English term 'seinthede', which was derived from the Old English 'seint' (saint) combined with 'hood', a suffix denoting a state or condition. Sainthood has its roots in the early Christian tradition, where individuals who exhibited extraordinary faith, moral integrity, or suffered martyrdom for their beliefs were venerated. This practice intensified during the Middle Ages, with the Catholic Church formalizing the process of canonization in the 12th century. The term emphasizes the collective understanding of the revered status of saints across various cultures, reflecting both religious recognition and the broader communal respect bestowed upon these individuals.