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The Birth of Mary, also known as the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, is a significant event in Christian tradition, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity. It commemorates the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, to her parents, Saint Joachim and Saint Anne. The event is not detailed in the canonical Gospels but is described in apocryphal texts, most notably the Protoevangelium of James (also called the Gospel of James), a 2nd-century text.

Key Details:

• Parents: According to tradition, Mary was born to Joachim and Anne, an elderly couple who had been childless for many years. Their prayers for a child were answered miraculously, and Anne conceived Mary, who was destined to be the mother of Jesus.
• Theological Significance: Mary’s birth is seen as a pivotal moment in salvation history, as she was chosen by God to be the Theotokos (Mother of God in Orthodox theology). Her birth is celebrated as a sign of hope and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
• Immaculate Conception Connection: In Catholic theology, Mary is believed to have been conceived without original sin (the Immaculate Conception), a doctrine distinct from her birth but often associated with it in theological discussions.
• Feast Day: The Nativity of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8 in the Catholic and Orthodox liturgical calendars, exactly nine months after the feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8 in the Catholic Church).

Narrative from Tradition:

The Protoevangelium of James describes Joachim as a wealthy but pious man who was distressed by his and Anne’s inability to have children, a source of shame in their culture. Both prayed fervently, and an angel appeared to Anne, announcing that she would conceive a child who would be honored throughout the world. Anne promised to dedicate the child to God’s service. Mary was born, and from a young age, she was raised in a holy manner, often depicted as being presented at the Temple as a child to serve God.

Cultural and Artistic Depictions:

• The Birth of Mary is a popular subject in Christian art, especially in medieval and Renaissance periods. Paintings and icons often depict Anne in bed, attended by midwives, with the newborn Mary being bathed or held.
• The feast is celebrated with special liturgies, prayers, and hymns in Catholic and Orthodox churches, emphasizing Mary’s role in the divine plan.