By Lindsey S. St. Margaret of Antioch was a famous saint throughout the medieval period. Known in the Eastern world as St. Marina or St. Margaret the Virgin,[1] St. Margaret has enjoyed widespread popularity across Europe in her role as the patron saint of childbirth, expectant mothers, and women in labor.[2] St. Margaret found an especiallyContinue reading “St. Margaret”
Tag Archives: saints
Medieval Childbirth Rituals
By Rachel S. Birth girdles were rolls of parchment placed over the womb of a pregnant women during labor. They had drawings and inscriptions that were read aloud during birth and promised a safe delivery and the survival of the child until baptism. Birth girdles were very expensive and mostly used by wealthy women whoContinue reading “Medieval Childbirth Rituals”
Plagues and Peoples: Health and Disease in Medieval Europe 