medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Hi Martin,
I found something about this online, but cannot vouch for its authenticity,
not having checked its references:
`At one time, the custom of having a Mary-month was independent from the
month of May as such: A very old tradition known as Tricesimum (or: Thirty
Day Devotion to Mary; also called Lady Month) was originally held from
August 15 - September 14. The exact dates or origin of this devotion are
unknown, but the custom is still practiced here and there.
`Mary Month, as yet unrelated to a specific period, has been known since
baroque times (Sources: Theophilus Marianus, 1664; J. X. Jacolet, Mensis
Marianus, 1724). This devotion was comprised of 30-31 spiritual exercises in
honor of Mary.
`Since medieval times, we have the combination between Mary and the month of
May. Among the earliest witnesses are: Alphonsus X, "el sabio", King of
Castille, Spain (1221-1284) with his "Cantigas de Santa Maria" ("Ben venna
Mayo"). Here and elsewhere, both Mary and the month of May are greeted,
welcomed and celebrated on specific days in May. Later, the whole month of
May became the month of Mary. On each day of this month, special devotions
to Mary were organized. This custom originated in Italy (for example:
Ferrara, 1784). It was spread widely during the 19th century, a century well
known for its monthly devotions (Heart of Jesus in June; Rosary in
October)'.
From my own field of interest, there appears to be a connection between Mary
and the month of May in Welsh devotional poetry of the 14th century.
Paul
-----Original Message-----
From: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Martin Howley
Sent: 16 March 2004 16:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [M-R] The Crown of Thorns
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Bill:
My understanding is that the identificion of the Blessed Virgin
with the Queen of the May is late, certainly post-medieval, and that
before this equation was made her chief floral associations were the rose
and the lily - not the hawthorn. Do you know of any medieval reference
that would place the association earlier?
Cheers,
Martin
Dr Martin Howley, Humanities Librarian, Tel: (709) 737-8514
QE II Library, Memorial Univ of Newfoundland FAX: (709) 737-2153
St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3Y1 E-mail:[log in to unmask]
On Tue, 16 Mar 2004, Bill East wrote:
> medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
> Who can tell us more about the association between the hawthorn blossom,
or
May as it is known, and the Blessed Virgin Mary?
>
> Oh Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today,
>
> Queen of the angels, and Queen of the May...
>
> Bill.
>
>
>
>
>
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