Medieval Monday | Hildegard Von Bingen

For Medieval Monday, I’d like to spotlight a medieval woman I’ve admired for decades…

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) was a Benedictine abbess, Christian mystic, and proficient in musical composition, herbology, philosophy, medieval literature, and medicine. A visionary before her time, she refused to be defined by the hierarchy of the church, and the restrictions placed on women of that time-period.

The youngest of ten children, she came from an upper-class German family. Hildegard was often ill with headaches which accompanied her visions of light and sounds. She attributed these visions as messages from God.

At the age of seven, her parents sent her to the convent of Disibodenberg to be enrolled as a novice. With encouragement from members of the church, she began to write down her experiences.

In 1136, Hildegard became Abbess of Disibodenberg. Throughout her time at Disibodenberg, Hildegard routinely practiced what is known today as “holistic healing” using meaningful spiritual energies and natural remedies to maintain health and cure illness and any injuries.

Hildegard also passionately believed music elevated the soul in praising the source of all life. All of her pieces are exquisite, and ones I listen to often.

Even with her many accomplishments, the Church continued to regard her as a second-class citizen. She struggled against not only the Church but in medieval society as well. But in the end, the Church recognized her work. She is often referred to as Saint Hildegard of Bingen and was finally canonized on May 10, 2012.

This musical piece is one of my favorites. "Praise for the Mother [O Virga Ac Diadema]" from the CD Vision.

Don't forget to check out these wonderful posts from the other Ladies of Medieval Monday!

Barbara Bettis: http://www.barbarabettis.com/index.php/blog/

Anastasia Abboud: https://www.anastasiaabboud.com/a-little-romance

Until next Monday, spread the medieval love!