Mary Magdalene's given name Μαρία (Maria) is usually regarded as a Latin form of Μαριὰμ (Mariam), which is the Greek variant used in Septuagint for Miriam, the Hebrew name for Moses' sister. Gnostic writings use either Mary or Mary Magdalene, or even just Magdalene. In the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene is also referred to simply as 'Mary' at least twice. Luke 8:2 says that she was actually 'called Magdalene.' In Aramaic, 'magdala' means 'tower' or 'elevated, great, magnificent'. Traditionally, this has been interpreted to mean that she was from Magdala, a town thought to have been on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Protestant Christians honor her as an apostle of Jesus.Ĭonsistently in the four Gospels, Mary Magdalene seems to be distinguished from other women named Mary by adding 'Magdalene' (η Μαγδαληνή) to her name. The Eastern Orthodox churches also commemorate her on the Sunday of the Myrrhbearers which is the second Sunday after Pascha (Easter). She is also commemorated by the Lutheran Church with a festival on the same day. Mary Magdalene is considered by the Catholic Church, as well as the Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches to be a saint, with a feast day of July 22. Many speculations, both in antiquity and in modern times, have emerged regarding Mary, including claims that she was Jesus' wife or even a prostitute. Mary Magdalene is referred to in early Christian writings as 'the apostle to the apostles.' In apocryphal texts, she is portrayed as a visionary and leader of the early movement, who was loved by Jesus more than the other disciples.

According to all four Gospels in the Christian New Testament, she was the first person to see the resurrected Christ. She witnessed his Crucifixion and burial. She became prominent during the last days, accompanying Jesus during his travels and following him to the end. Mary was a devoted follower of Jesus, entering into the close circle of those taught by Jesus during his Galilean ministry. According to Luke 8:2 and Mark 16:9, Jesus cleansed her of seven demons. Mary Magdalene or Mary of Magdala (original Greek Μαρία η Μαγδαληνή) is described, both in the canonical New Testament and in the New Testament apocrypha, as one of the most important women in the movement of Jesus. Western: alabaster box of ointment, long hair, at the foot of the cross Įastern: container of ointment (as a myrrhbearer), or holding a red egg (symbol of the resurrection) embracing the feet of Christ after the ResurrectionĪpothecaries Atrani, Italy Casamicciola Terme, Ischia contemplative life converts glove makers hairdressers penitent sinners people ridiculed for their piety perfumeries pharmacists reformed prostitutes sexual temptation tanners women

Mid to late 1st century AD, Ephesus, Asia Minor or Marseilles East: Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles

The testament of mary.