Virgin (Mary)

The definition of “virgin” has changed greatly from the origin of the word.

Once upon a time, the word “virgin” was used specifically to describe a free woman — independent, autonomous, untied. For the Greeks “virgin” was a term of power, strength and independence, used to describe the goddesses who were immune to the temptations of Dionysus, Greek god of seduction and wine.

In medieval times, virginity became a sexual term for a heterosexual woman who had not been penetrated by a penis. Virginity was then classified as a gift from the Christian God only to be released by a husband.

Virgin Mary / Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato