The Symbol of Femininity in Ecclesiastical Thought: An Examination of the Mystical Views of Saint Hildegard von Bingen From theology to nature

Subject Areas : Christianity

Akram Band Ali Shemshaki ¹ , masood Ahmadi Afzadi ^{2 *} , zahra ebrahimi ³ , zahra hosinie hamied ⁴

1 -
2 - azad university north tehran branch
3 - Azad University, Tehran North Branch
4 - azad university north tehran branch

Received: 2025-05-13 Accepted : 2025-08-27 Published : 2025-09-27

Keywords: Keywords: Hildegard von Bingen, femininity, symbolism, ecclesiastical thought, tehology , nature,

Abstract :

Abstract 

Saint Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179), a medieval mystic and symbol and vision  offered a remarkable insight and unique perspective on femininity. She gained spiritual authority and influence in a male-dominated medieval world. Her feminine visionary experience became a means of discovering the mysteries of the Bible and understanding God, the universe, and humanity within the framework of feminist theology. This study aims to examine the mystical symbols and symbolic theory in her works, analyzing concepts such as light, greenness (viriditas), wisdom (Sophia), motherhood, cosmology, music, medicine, and the application of Hildegard's thought  Enviromental and therapeutic ethics in the contemporary world. Hildegard viewed femininity not merely as a physical trait but as a spiritual and divine element in the order of creation. Her thought represents a convergence of Christian mysticism and feminine theology. The results of this study will contribute to the mystical discourse on the symbol of femininity and explore the intellectual and spiritual legacy that bridges ancient traditions with modern perspectives on humanity, spirituality, and nature in the history of Christian mysticism.