The gipsy community has venerated the mysterious figure of Saint Sarah, also known as the Black Virgin for centuries. My grandmother and her grandmother before her venerated the black virgin, almost like a goddess, not unlike many who still do in Camargue. My grandmother always carried her effigy, almost like a protection spell. Legends say that she came as a child with Mary Magdalene and people called her Sarah BatJeshua.. But who was this woman, and where can we find evidence of who she really was? Let’s explore the origins and mystery of Saint Sarah, and seek out any evidence of her true identity.
Who is Saint Sarah?
Saint Sarah is a figure of great significance in the religious and cultural landscape of southern France. People widely worship her, and they also know her as the Black Virgin, especially the gipsy community of the region. But who was Saint Sarah and why is she so revered?
To begin with, there is relatively little factual information about the life of Saint Sarah. However, there are several legends and myths that have developed around her over the centuries. These stories tell of a young girl who arrived on the southeast coast of France as a child.
She had been a companion to Mary Magdalene and other followers of Jesus, who fled persecution in the Holy Land and sailed to France in a rudderless boat. When they landed on the shores of what is now Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Sarah was so moved by the experience that she decided to stay and become a missionary.
Over time, Sarah became a patron saint of the Romani people, who believe that she watches over their communities and protects them from harm. Many gipsies make pilgrimages to her shrine in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and leave offerings of flowers and candles in her honour.
Despite her significance to the gipsy community, Saint Sarah remains something of a mystery, or is it? Some scholars have suggested that she may have been a real person, while others believe that she is purely a legendary figure. Her cultural heritage remains an important part of southern France.
The Origin of Saint Sarah
Saint Sarah is a revered figure in the South of France, known for her connection to the gipsy community and her association with the black virgin. People have very little information about her actual origin and early life.
According to legend, Sarah arrived on the southeast coast of France as a child, accompanied by Mary Magdalene. She has been stamped a maid or a slave by the Catholic church of the Middle age, much like Pope Gregory I stamped Mary Magdalene a sinful woman in 591. Other legends talk about the daughter of a king but a few also called her Sarah BatJeshua, which translates to “Sarah Daughter of Jesus”.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her origins, Saint Sarah quickly became an important figure to the gipsy community of the Camargue region. They believed that she possessed healing powers and could protect them from harm. Women hoping to conceive invoked her as the patron saint of fertility.
In the centuries that followed, Saint Sarah’s legend grew, and she became known as the black virgin. Some say that it was because they considered her a sacred or mystical figure, much like the black virgin statues found in many French churches.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence about Saint Sarah’s origins, her legacy lives on in the annual pilgrimage that takes place in her honour. Every May, thousands of gipsies from across Europe converge on the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to celebrate the life and miracles of Saint Sarah, the black virgin of the Camargue.
The Legend of Saint Sarah as the Black Virgin
Others say that Saint Sarah was a young Egyptian girl who arrived on the shores of what is now known as Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the southeast of France. She arrived alongside Mary Magdalene and other biblical figures, including Mary Salome and Martha.
Some versions of the legend suggest that Saint Sarah was a servant to Mary Magdalene, while others suggest that she was her daughter or even a black slave girl who was brought to France by traders.
However, what is certain is that Saint Sarah is known as the “Black Virgin”. This led to many people believing that she was of African descent, which has become an important part of her identity as a saint.
Over the centuries, Saint Sarah has become associated with the Gypsy community who worship her as their patron saint. She is also said to have healing powers and is often associated with fertility and protection.
Despite her popularity, Saint Sarah’s true origins and identity remain a mystery, and much of what is known about her comes from folklore and legend rather than historical fact. However, her legacy has lived on, and she remains an important figure in the culture and history of the South of France.
The Worship of Saint Sarah
The gipsy community of the South of France have been worshipping Saint Sarah for centuries. She is their patron saint and they gather every year in her honour in the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
The gipsies believe that Saint Sarah protected them during their journey from Egypt to France. According to the Vatican’s official account, Saint Sarah was the servant of the biblical figure, Mary Magdalene, and accompanied her to France. During their journey, they encountered a group of gipsies who were being persecuted. Saint Sarah helped them by healing their sick and providing them with food and water. In gratitude, the gipsies began to worship Saint Sarah as their patron saint.
Every year on May 24th and October 22nd, the gipsies gather in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for a pilgrimage to honour Saint Sarah. They carry a statue of Saint Sarah through the streets of the town and down to the sea, where they hold a procession to bless the waters.
The gipsies believe that Saint Sarah has the power to protect them from harm and to grant them good luck and prosperity. They leave offerings of flowers and candles at her shrine in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, hoping that she will continue to bless and protect them.
The worship of Saint Sarah by the gipsy community is a testament to her enduring legacy as a powerful and revered saint in the South of France.
Evidence that Saint Sarah was called Sarah BatJeshua
The name “Sarah BatJeshua” translates to “Sarah Daughter of Jesus” and is believed to be a title given to Saint Sarah by the gipsy community in the South of France. While there is no concrete historical evidence to support this title, there are various legends and oral traditions that have been passed down through generations.
One such legend tells the story of Sarah’s arrival in the town of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer with Mary Magdalene. As they arrived, Sarah saw a group of people mocking and jeering at them. She approached the crowd and started to preach, converting many of the people who had previously mocked her.
According to the legend, Sarah’s powerful preaching abilities were evidence that she was indeed the daughter of Jesus. This led the gipsy community to start calling her “Sarah BatJeshua”, which has become a popular title for the saint.
While some scholars believe that the name “BatJeshua” was added to Sarah’s name to elevate her status as a saint, others argue that it was simply her name.
Despite the lack of historical evidence, many people still believe that Sarah BatJeshua is a fitting title for the saint and continues to use it today. The title represents the idea that Saint Sarah was not just a simple girl who arrived on the shores of France, but a powerful and divinely inspired figure who played a crucial role in spreading the gospel in the region.
References:
- “Sarah la Kali: The Black Virgin of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer” by Anne Saint-Clair – This book explores the legend of Saint Sarah, the Black Virgin, and her significance in the traditions and culture of the gipsy community in France.
- “Black Virgins: African American and African Encounters with Mary and Jesus” by Isam Al-Rawi – This book delves into the cultural significance of Black Virgin figures and their associations with African and African American traditions.
- “The Black Madonna in Latin America and Europe: Tradition and Transformation” edited by Malgorzata Grzegorzewska and Ellen J. Perry – This collection of essays examines the Black Madonna’s representation in different cultural contexts, including France and Latin America.
- “Mystery of the Black Madonna: The Supernatural Encounters of Joan of Arc and Mary of Nazareth” by Tobias Churton – This book explores the mystical and supernatural aspects of the Black Madonna’s presence in history, including Joan of Arc’s encounters.
- “The Black Virgin: A Marian Mystery” by Graham Simmans – This book investigates the symbolism and historical significance of Black Virgin statues and their connections to ancient pagan beliefs.
- “Saint Sarah: Black Madonna of the Gypsies” by Christopher Matthews – This book delves into the legend of Saint Sarah and her role as the Black Madonna, particularly in the context of the gipsy community’s beliefs and practices.
- “The Cult of the Black Virgin” by Ean Begg – This work provides a broader exploration of Black Virgin cults and their presence in various regions and cultures.
- “Mysteries of the Virgin Mary: Living Our Lady’s Graces” by Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P. – While not specifically about Saint Sarah, this book delves into the veneration of the Virgin Mary, including her various representations, such as the Black Virgin.
- “The Hidden History of the Black Virgin” by Graham Simmans – This book uncovers the historical and cultural significance of Black Virgin statues and their ties to ancient goddess worship.
- “The Black Madonna: Mysterious Soul Companion” by Julia Cameron
- “The Gypsy Goddess” by Meena Kandasamy
- “The Black Madonna” by Davis Bunn
- “The Gypsy Madonna” by Santa Montefiore
- “The Black Madonna” by Stella Duffy
- “Black Virgins: Stories” by Lee K. Abbott
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