Among the so-called Twelve (ie the twelve most important) one Orthodox holidays devoted to the memory of the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.It is also a very important celebration in the Catholic Church.We have an event on 8 September (21 September for churches adhering to the old style).
Events holiday
to more accurately understand the iconographic content of the festival, you should briefly highlight his experiences and theological content.According to the doctrine of the Orthodox Church, Mary, the future Mother of God, born of righteous Jews Joachim and Anna.The couple has been maligned among society, as he had no children, and that in those days was considered a punishment from God for their sins.Subsequently, after a fervent prayer and sorrow, the angel of God Evangelism righteous that their prayer was answered, and they give birth to the child, whose fame spread throughout the world.Nine months later, according to legend, was born to them Mary, they vow given to the education of the temple in Jerusalem.No information on this subject in the Bible is not, and all information related to the relatively late legend, partly reflected in the apocryphal books - the so-called Gospel of James.
ancient images
Today earliest images on the theme of this festival are the beginning of the second millennium.As an example, in the painting of the church Ateni (Georgia) on the motives of the plot "Nativity of the Virgin."Icon, or rather a fresco of this story, this church belongs to the XI century, but it is possible that it is a reconstruction of an even earlier images.To this period include paintings in St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev.
In general, the earlier image of the holiday "Christmas Lady" (the icon is either a fresco on the wall of the church - does not matter) quite simple and uncomplicated.They are not piling up minor details and symbols typical of more developed traditions.The centerpiece of the composition takes the figure of Anna, lying on a bed.In front of her is the midwife, and the edges are the traditional gifts of women after childbirth.
Late tradition
As mentioned, over time, the plot of "Nativity of the Virgin", an icon or a fresco which had a 13-14 centuries in every Orthodox church, has become complicated and detailed, accumulating a variety of extras.Among such things are, for example, poultry, home furnishings and home life of Anna and Jehoiakim, water, etc..
For example, we can recall the fresco of St. Mary's Basilica in Rome, the 13th century.Another vivid image on "Nativity of the Virgin" - the icon (16th century), or, more precisely, a fresco in the monastery of St. Ferapont in Russia, where in honor of this holiday is one of the temples consecrated.The author of this painting - a prominent and well-known painter Dionysius.Pretty unique artistic solutions appeared in the Bulgarian iconography.Example plot "Nativity of the Virgin" - icon (17-18 century) from Sofia.
Another innovation later tradition was that to supply a central image of a holiday on the perimeter of the so-called scenes from his life.In this case it is the artistic representation of the narrative Gospel of James, concerning the birth of Mary.It began with the image of mourners Joachim and Anna, then sealed Joachim visiting the temple with the aim to offer sacrifice and denial of him in this high priest.This is followed by a post in the desert, the phenomenon of an angel and a meeting of the righteous spouses at the Golden Gate in Jerusalem.Specially designated conception, devoid of any eroticism was.Himself story "Christmas Lady" icon is at the heart.A hagiographic story ended with the image of another Marian feast days - Entry into the Temple.
Conclusion
in 17-19 century later iconographic tradition in Russia has declined under the influence of the Western academic and the general impoverishment of the spiritual culture.Instead of icons were created spectacular paintings on religious themes.Although there have been exceptions.Example on "Nativity of the Virgin" - the icon Abel Seer.More precisely, the very icon of the lay brother Lazarus wrote it in the late 18th century by the order of Empress led Abel.It is interesting by the fact that its fields are located, according to some, the prophecies of the death of the Emperor Paul Petrovich, the coming of a new king in the XXI century and the end of the world.Over the icon with the cell-mate, Abel suffered exile.
