AUREA LEGENDA Meaning and
Definition
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Aurea Legenda is a Latin term that translates to "Golden Legend" in English. It refers to a compilation of hagiographic or biographical accounts of saints in the form of a literature work, typically in the Middle Ages. The Aurea Legenda was believed to be written by Jacobus de Voragine, an Italian chronicler and archbishop of Genoa in the 13th century.
This collection of stories aimed to provide a comprehensive and authorized account of the lives and deeds of various Christian saints, both well-known and lesser-known figures. The text often mixed historical facts with legends and miracles attributed to the saints, making it a blend of both history and religious mythology. The Aurea Legenda was widely circulated across different regions of Europe during the Middle Ages, and its popularity continued well into the Renaissance period.
The purpose of the Aurea Legenda was not only to serve as a guide for individuals seeking religious inspiration but also to provide moral and religious lessons for the Catholic faithful. Its engaging narratives and miraculous events aimed to teach virtues, encourage piety, and inspire devotion to the saints, often presenting them as models of Christian faith and virtue.
Being a significant literary and religious work of its time, the Aurea Legenda influenced art, literature, and religious practices throughout the Middle Ages. It served as a source of inspiration for the depicted scenes in religious paintings and sculptures, while also shaping the organization of feasts and celebrations dedicated to the saints.
Etymology of AUREA LEGENDA
The term "Aurea Legenda" is of Latin origin and translates to "Golden Legends" in English. The word "Aurea" is derived from the Latin noun "aurum", meaning "gold". It is commonly used metaphorically to connote something highly esteemed, noble, or precious. The word "Legenda" is the plural form of the Latin verb "legere", meaning "to read". In this context, it refers to a collection of stories or accounts to be read, specifically referring to the lives of saints and religious figures. The "Aurea Legenda" is a title often associated with a celebrated medieval collection of saints' lives written by Jacobus de Voragine.
Similar spelling word for AUREA LEGENDA
