The feast of Saint Hildegard von Bingen is celebrated on September 17th. Saint Hildegard was born in1098 in Bermersheim vor der Hoehe, Holy Roman Empire, and canonized in 2012. She was one of four female Doctors of the Church, and a mystic, healer, artist, scientist, composer, poet, writer, philosopher, theologian, and German Benedictine abbess. Born to a noble family, she started receiving visions from God when she was three years old, so she always had a special relationship with God and his creation. She wielded the knowledge from her visions to advise emperors and bishops, start a new order, compose poetry and music, author many books, and create healing recipes.
We encourage you to take some time to reflect on these quotes by Saint Hildegard.
- "The Word is living, being, spirit, all verdant greening, all creativity. This Word manifests itself in every creature."
- "God is the good and all things which proceed from God are good."
- "Trust shows the way."
- "God has arranged all things in the world in consideration of everything else."
- "Humankind, full of all creative possibilities, is God’s work. Humankind alone is called to assist God. Humankind is called to co-create. With nature’s help, humankind can set into creation all that is necessary and life-sustaining."
6 Simple ways to celebrate Saint Hildegard Von Bingen
Spend time in a garden
Saint Hildegard of Bingen once said, "It is fitting that the rays of the sun should shine upon that root which has been planted by the Holy Spirit, and that a gentle rain should moisten it, for a good field which brings forth good fruit flourishes in the sun and the rain and the dew."
Draw mandala circles
Hildegard drew circles and mandalas in her work because they reflect the divine order. Try drawing mandala circles in her memory. This is a great activity to do with children, as well!
Bake Cookies of Joy
These “cookies of joy” are a recipe against melancholy and depression, wielding together spelt flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves to “calm all bitterness of the heart and mind, open your heart and impaired senses, and make your mind cheerful.” You can download this cute recipe card here.
Ingredients
- 12 tbsp organic raw butter
- 3/4 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/3 cup raw organic honey
- 4 pasture-raised organic egg yolks
- 2 1/2 cups organic spelt flour (ancient grain and key ingredient)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- St. Hildegard’s “spices that bring joy” mix: 1 tbsp nutmeg, 1 tbsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp cloves
- Flour for dusting surface
Directions
- Melt the butter under low heat in a small saucepan. Transfer butter to a medium bowl, then slowly add sugar, honey, and egg yolks, beating lightly. Fold in the rest of the ingredients, gently. Refrigerate the dough for an hour.
- Lightly flour a surface and then roll out the cookie dough until about a 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into small circles using a cookie cutter or drinking glass.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the cookies on top, and then bake at 375°F for ten minutes or until golden-brown.
- Let cool, then enjoy.
Eat foods of joy
Hildegard received visions of many things from God, including heavenly visions of the healing power of food and the importance of good nutrition for well being.“Foods of joy” brought revitalization and helped preserve good health in every aspect of our lives: psychological, spiritual, and physical.
You can find her recipes in this wonderful book.
Use the color green
Hildegard spoke of viriditas, which represents both the green color of living things and the idea of vitality. It is a word that reflects physical and spiritual health. She trusted that our bodies have viriditas or “greening power” to heal themselves, and she wrote of many methods to help bring the body back into balance when it is ill.
Use the color green in one of the following ways:
- Paint with the color green. (Example: Use an old, framed canvas and paint it green. Hang on a wall for decor!)
- Eat green vegetables for dinner.
- Spend time in green nature.
- Wear something green.
How are you planning to celebrate Saint Hildegard? Let us know in the comments below!
Photography by Hannah Hoggatt
Looking for inspiration on how to celebrate the liturgical seasons and feast days?
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