Religious Women in Medieval Time Essay - 1451 Words

Religious Women in Medieval Time The Middle Ages did not offer women many options of lifestyles. During these times women could either be virgin martyrs and sacrifice themselves in religious rituals, or become wives and mother. None of these options offered women a real chance to live, to create, to enjoy. New options emerged, these options allowed them not only to live free of male dominance, but also to be educated and to use their creativity in areas like music, theater, science, and philosophy. These options were monastic life, mysticism and life among the Beguines. Among the women who opted one of these ways of life, were: Hrotswitha, Hildegard and Teresa of Avila, whose work was among the most famous and recognized in the†¦show more content†¦In this manuscript, a series of fine illustrations representing the Apocalypse (compiled by Beatus). Another option for these women was to become Rubricators. The women who chose this kind of work where in charge of the design of the first letters of the paragrap h, each of which was a work of art on it own. Many of the women who created this letter took credit of their work by including either their names, picture and sometimes both as part of the design of the letters (Guda, Claricia). In addition to the work women did in sacred books, they also used their creativity in writing. Hrotswitha is one of the most notable writers from this period, in fact she was the first women playwright. These plays were read or performed by other nuns in the convent, which also allowed then the opportunity to develop their creativity while acting. Music was another field in which women did great creative work. They composed music which was then sing by other nuns, usually in ritual ceremonies (Hildegard). Another area women extended their work to was teaching, as well as preaching in the surrounding areas of their convents and sometimes having great impact in the people (Teresa of Avila). Mysticism was another option for some of the women in this time, and it was as important for them as the first amendment of the constitution is for us because it gave them freedom of speech. Mysticism gave these women someShow MoreRelatedEssay on Jewish Women in Medieval Ashkenaz1547 Words   |  7 Pages Medieval Jewish society, like all traditional Jewish culture, was run by patriarchal hierarchy â€Å"Philosophical, medical, and religious views of the time all supported the view that men were superior to women both in nature and in deed† . Women’s position in society was secondary in comparison to that of men. They were characterized as lightheaded, weak, easily seduced, and linked to sorcery. 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