Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)

### Nick Name

She is referred to by her given name, as well as variations such as Saint Hildegard, Hildegarde, or Hildegarda, and Hildegarde of Rupertsberg.

### Born Place

Bemersheim (Böckelheim), West Franconia (now Germany)

### Education

She was offered to the Church around the age of eight and was enclosed in a Benedictine monastery at the Disibodenberg.

### Occupation

German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, and polymath.

### Family

Father: Hildebert of BermersheimHildegard von Bingen was the tenth child of her parents.

### Sexual Orientation

Some sources suggest that she was celibate and that her sexuality is not relevant to her life and work. Other sources suggest that she had same-sex attractions and that she was a lesbian.

### Best Known For

Being a medieval composer, visionary, and polymath.

### Residence

She spent most of her life in the Rhineland area of Germany.

## About

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) was a German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, and polymath. She was born in Bermersheim vor der Höhe, County Palatine of the Rhine, Holy Roman Empire. During her childhood, she experienced visions, which led her parents to offer her to a Benedictine monastery at the Disibodenberg. She was enclosed at the same time period as another woman, Jutta, who became a close confidant for Bingen, to whom she told about her visions.Bingen was proficient in philosophy, musical composition, herbology, medieval literature, cosmology, medicine, biology, theology, and natural history. She is considered one of the best-known composers of sacred monophony, as well as the most recorded in modern history. She has been considered by scholars to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany. Bingen refused to be defined by the patriarchal hierarchy of the church and, although she abided by its strictures, pushed the established boundaries for women almost past their limits.B ingen was beatified on 26 August 1326 by Pope John XXII and canonized on 10 May 2012 (equivalent canonization) in Vatican City by Pope Benedict XVI. Her feast day is celebrated on 17 September. Bingen is probably the first woman to write about skin diseases and their therapies.

## Early Life and Education

Hildegard von Bingen was born in 1098 in Rhineland in Western Germany. She was the youngest of ten children born to a noble family. From a young age, she experienced visions. Her parents offered her to the Church around the age of eight, and she was enclosed in a Benedictine monastery at the Disibodenberg. She was educated by Jutta, another woman who was enclosed in the monastery at the same time. Hildegard later became a Benedictine abbess and founded two convents. She was a polymath proficient in philosophy, musical composition, herbology, medieval literature, cosmology, medicine, biology, theology, and natural history. She wrote extensively on a variety of subjects, including theology, medicine, and natural history.

## Career

Hildegard von Bingen's career was diverse and multifaceted. She was a medieval composer, visionary, and polymath. She was a German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, and polymath proficient in philosophy, musical composition, herbology, medieval literature, cosmology, medicine, biology, theology, and natural history. Furthermore, she refused to be defined by the patriarchal hierarchy of the church and pushed the established boundaries for women. She founded two convents, one in Rupertsberg and another in Eibingen, both in the Rhineland area of Germany. She wrote extensively on a variety of subjects, including theology, medicine, and natural history. Likewise, 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, and her musical plays were performed in the convent she founded.

## Relationships

Some sources suggest that she had a close relationship with Richardis von Stade, another nun in her convent, and that the intensity of their attachment has led some to wonder whether the relationship was erotically charged. However, there is no conclusive evidence about the nature of their relationship.

## Filmography

“Vision – From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen” is a 2009 German film directed by Margarethe von Trotta. The film tells the story of Hildegard of Bingen, the famed 12th century Benedictine nun, Christian mystic, composer, philosopher, playwright, physician, poet, naturalist, scientist, and ecological activist. The film was shot in the original medieval cloisters of the German countryside. Barbara Sukowa played the role of Hildegard von Bingen in the film.

## Awards and legacy

Hildegard von Bingen's legacy is significant and far-reaching. She is revered for the significant impact she had on contemporary theologians, artists, musicians, doctors, and educators. She was a “first” in many fields, producing major works of theology and visionary writings, and being consulted by and advising bishops, popes, and kings. Not only that, but 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, and her musical plays were performed in her convent. Her music is known for its soaring registers and flourishes, and it has been revived by various ensembles, such as Sequentia. She has been beatified and is frequently referred to as St. Hildegard, although she is not yet canonized. Her life and achievements have been celebrated in various forms, such as films, books, and virtual pilgrimages.

## Quotes

There are several famous quotes by Hildegard of Bingen that illustrate the broad spectrum of her contribution to humanity. One of her famous quotes is, “The earth should not be injured. The earth should not be destroyed”. Another quote is “All the creation is a song of praise to God”.

## See also

For further information about Hildegard von Bingen, one can refer to “The Life and Works of Hildegard von Bingen” by Fiona Maddocks. Another source is “Humanities LibreTexts,” which provides a comprehensive overview of Hildegard's life and achievements. For those interested in her music, “The Musical Legacy of St. Hildegard von Bingen” by Sequentia is a good resource.

## References

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