Dormition is a religious term that primarily refers to a belief, doctrine, or event related to the death or the end of life of a holy figure, particularly within Christian theology. Derived from the Latin word "dormire," meaning "to sleep," dormition commonly signifies the peaceful and serene departure or falling asleep of a saint, most notably the Virgin Mary.
In Christian traditions, the Dormition of Mary represents the belief that, upon the end of her earthly life, Mary's soul, body, and spirit were assumed into heaven by God, without experiencing physical corruption or decay. This belief is commonly held among various Christian denominations, including the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches.
The Dormition event is often portrayed in religious iconography, artwork, and literature, typically depicting Mary surrounded by the apostles during her final moments on Earth, as she surrenders her soul to God and is then carried into heaven. The Dormition shares similarities with the Assumption of Mary, which refers specifically to the Catholic dogma that asserts Mary was taken up into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life.
The concept of Dormition is not limited to the Virgin Mary; it can also refer to the death or end of life of other revered figures within Christian history. However, its repeated use and association with the saintly departure of the Virgin Mary has rendered dormition synonymous with her specific and revered story.
