Families who are expecting a girl and, either because she is going to be born on these dates or because they love it Christmas and want to put a name that is related to this very special themethere are several options. The name of Bethlehem is one to take into account in this case, since it is one of the girl names associated with Christmas prettier Below we explain what exactly it means and all the curiosities around it.
What is the origin of the name Belén?
The name Bethlehem is of Hebrew origin. It comes from the word ‘Bethlehem‘ (בית לחם), meaning ‘Bread House‘. This name is deeply associated with the city of Bethlehemin Judea, emblematic for being the epicenter of Christmas, since there Jesus was bornaccording to the New Testament. Specifically, he did it in a humble doorway, among straws, under the shelter of an ox and a mule.
Curiosities about the name of Belén
Therefore, this name occupies a central place in Christmas traditionsespecially in Spanish-speaking countries, where it even exists as a common noun to refer to the representations of the Nativity (the nativity scenes). Hence it is common in Christmas carols and poems, as well as in great works of art of all time.
Also in Spanish-speaking countries and, for the same reason, Belén is a very popular name. Perhaps even more so in Spain, where there are 34,060 women and girls registered with this name, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
© Getty ImagesWhen is the Saint of Bethlehem celebrated?
The saint of Bethlehem is celebrated December 25, Christmas Day. The reason is precisely that, Christmas, the birth of Jesus in the city of Bethlehem. It is, therefore, one of the most important dates for Christianity throughout the world.
Many Christians also worship Our Lady of Bethlehema Marian dedication that dates back to the first half of the 4th century, when Osius, bishop of Córdoba, brought to the city, after attending the Council of Nicaea, an image of the Virgin Mary that remembered the birth of Jesus. Since then, Our Lady of Bethlehem began to be worshiped in Córdoba and, little by little, this devotion spread to other municipalities in Andalusia and, although to a lesser extent, to the rest of Spain.
From the 15th century and the evangelization of Americathe Spanish took some of these images and Our Lady of Bethlehem also became venerated in conquered territories and today that devotion remains in countries such as Mexico or Peru.