Virginity

Virginity

See also Chastity, Purity.

Agnes, St.

patron saint of virgins. [Christian Hagiog.: Brewer Dictionary, 16]

Atala

Indian maiden learns too late she can be released from her vow to remain a virgin. [Fr. Lit.: Atala]

Athena

goddess who had no love affairs and never married, called Parthenos, ‘the Virgin.’ [Gk. Myth.: Benét, 60]

Cecilia, St.

consecrated self to God, bridegroom followed suit. [Christian Hagiog.: Attwater, 81–82]

Chrysanthus and Daria, Sts.

sexless marriage for glory of God. [Christian Hagiog.: Attwater, 86]

Drake, Temple

chastity makes her the object of attacks. [Am. Lit.: Sanctuary]

garden, enclosed

wherein grow the red roses of chastity. [Christian Symbolism: De Virginibus, Appleton, 41]

Josyan

steadfastly retains virginity for future husband. [Br. Lit.: Bevis of Hampton]

Lygia

foreign princess remains chaste despite Roman orgies. [Polish Lit.: Quo Vadis, Magill I, 797–799]

lily

symbol of Blessed Virgin; by extension, chastity. [Christian Symbolism: Appleton, 57–58]

ostrich egg

symbolic of virgin birth. [Art: Hall, 110]

red and white roses, garland of

emblem of virginity, esp. of the Virgin Mary. [Christian Iconog.: Jobes, 374]

Vestals

six pure girls; tended fire sacred to Vesta. [Rom. Hist.: Brewer Dictionary, 1127]

Virgin Mary, Blessed

mother of Jesus. [Christianity: NCE, 1709]

Allusions—Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.