virginity

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July 14, 2026

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Virginity refers to the state or quality of being a virgin. It is often associated with innocence and chastity. Historically, it has also been used to describe an unmarried life or celibacy. The term "virgin" itself, first used in the 14th century, can also describe something fresh, unspoiled, or in its initial state, such as virgin forest or virgin oil from a first pressing.123

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celibacy
Types of celibacy
Virginity and celibacy are regarded as assets in the attainment of spiritual goals. Most institutional female celibates are nuns in residential cloisters—though there have been occasional solitary figures, such as the anchoress (female hermit) Dame Julian of Norwich (born 1342).
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Virginity and celibacy are regarded as assets in the attainment of spiritual goals. Most institutional female celibates are nuns in residential cloisters—though there have been occasional solitary figures, such as the anchoress (female hermit) Dame Julian of Norwich (born 1342).
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history of Europe
Reform and renewal
Virginity, long seen by Christian thinkers as an equivalent to martyrdom, was now required of all clergy. It has been argued that the requirement of celibacy was established to protect ecclesiastical property, which had greatly increased, from being alienated by the clergy or from becoming…
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Virginity, long seen by Christian thinkers as an equivalent to martyrdom, was now required of all clergy. It has been argued that the requirement of celibacy was established to protect ecclesiastical property, which had greatly increased, from being alienated by the clergy or from becoming…
Read More