Day 79: Learn about a significant woman in history: Hildegard of Bingen

I found the story of Hildegard by researching significant women in history. Her story caught me because I was very unfamiliar with the era.  It was unheard of for a woman to be so versed in writing and music. She was known as a very gifted musician.. It was believed also that she had “vision” which modern historians interpret as possible seizures. Nevertheless, she devoted her life to her passions in a time when women, art, writing, were not highly appreciated or valued.

I thought these excerpts from her letters were interesting and applicable today:

A human being is a vessel that God has built for himself and filled with his inspiration so that his works are perfected in it.
Just as a mirror, which reflects all things, is set in its own container, so too the rational soul is placed in the fragile container of the body. In this way, the body is governed in its earthly life by the soul, and the soul contemplates heavenly things through faith.

“Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a remarkable woman, a "first" in many fields. At a time when few women wrote, Hildegard, known as "Sybil of the Rhine", produced major works of theology and visionary writings. When few women were accorded respect, she was consulted by and advised bishops, popes, and kings. She used the curative powers of natural objects for healing, and wrote treatises about natural history and medicinal uses of plants, animals, trees and stones. She is the first composer whose biography is known. She founded a vibrant convent, where her musical plays were performed. Although not yet canonized, Hildegard has been beatified, and is frequently referred to as St. Hildegard. Revival of interest in this extraordinary woman of the middle ages was initiated by musicologists and historians of science and religion. Less fortunately, Hildegard's visions and music had been hijacked by the New Age movement, whose music bears some resemblance to Hildegard's ethereal airs. Her story is important to all students of medieval history and culture and an inspirational account of an irresistible spirit and vibrant intellect overcoming social, physical, cultural, gender barriers to achieve timeless transcendence.”