CHURCHING Meaning and
Definition
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Churching is a religious ceremony or rite that is traditionally performed for a woman after childbirth, to symbolize her purification and reentry into the church community. The term "churching" is often used within Christian denominations, specifically within Catholic and Anglican traditions.
During the ceremony, the woman, known as the "churched woman," would visit the church, normally a few weeks after giving birth. She would partake in a liturgical service conducted by a priest or minister, expressing gratitude for her safe delivery and asking for God's blessing and protection for both herself and her child. The rite was performed to purify the woman, as childbirth was considered to be a physically and spiritually unclean event according to ancient beliefs.
Historically, churching was often accompanied by thanksgiving offerings, giving thanks for the safe delivery and the successful transition into motherhood. These offerings could range from simple prayers to more elaborate rituals or alms given to the church.
While the ceremony of churching has become less common in today's society, remnants of this tradition can still be found within certain religious communities. Churching represents a symbolic way for women to give thanks, seek blessings, and find spiritual restoration following their childbirth experience.
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Attending church to offer thanks, as a woman after childbirth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CHURCHING
- xhurching
- vhurching
- fhurching
- dhurching
- cgurching
- cburching
- cnurching
- cjurching
- cuurching
- cyurching
- chyrching
- chhrching
- chjrching
- chirching
- ch8rching
- ch7rching
- chueching
- chudching
- chufching
Etymology of CHURCHING
The word "churching" has its roots in Old English and Middle English. It comes from the Old English word "cirice" or "circe", which means "church". The suffix "-ing" is added to form a verbal noun, indicating the action or process of entering a church.
In Christianity, the term "churching" refers to a traditional ceremony or rite for the purification and thanksgiving of a woman after childbirth. This ceremony was performed in the past to welcome the mother back into the church after the period of confinement following childbirth.
Similar spelling words for CHURCHING
- marching,
- Hitching,
- Chirping,
- lurching,
- charting,
- catching,
- Checking,
- touching,
- Hushing,
- Perching,
- shritching,
- hatching,
- Parching,
- Charging,
- charming,
- coaching,
- Vouching,
- cherishing,
- un-churching,
- shrieching,
- chucking,
- church,
- churning.
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