Who is salome

While her story first appears in the Bible, in the Gospels of Matthew [] and Mark [], as a character she is almost a cipher, her name not even rating a mention. Historically, she was the daughter by birth of Herodias.

Herod himself exhibits a kind of bond with John, whom he is loathe to execute for fear of reprisal from his followers and his God.

The myth actually goes deeper than the Biblical story, though, with significant elements of the tale drawing on events that took place well before the death of Christ. The myth has its genesis in the physical, moral and psychological depravity of late Rome. Plutarch reports an incident in which a prisoner was decapitated at a banquet for the pleasure of a boy lover.

The myth of Salome and her dance has flourished since its transcription in the Bible. Over time there have been slight shifts in emphasis as successive generations found different aspects of the story revealing.

Unsurprisingly, medieval representations of Salome were often made for the purpose of moral instruction. In the religious art and practices of the Middle Ages, the Biblical legend found echoes too numerous to mention in detail. The story was used to illustrate the need to resist sexual temptations and the potential spiritual risks in the diversion of dancing.

After AD, the story was represented on church walls, in stained glass, and on the pages of sacred manuscripts. Certain monastic sects, taking as their inspiration the ascetic figure of the John the Baptist, developed a culture that was anti-feminine in the extreme. Their artistic depictions of the legend show Herodias and Salome as witches on brooms, or medusas with snake-like hair, able to turn a man to stone by simply engaging his gaze.

In the Victorian era, a pre-modern flourishing of references laid the groundwork for our contemporary fascination with the myth. One researcher uncovered more than 2. Yes, there will be times of sorrow, and yes, there will be times of joy. In each moment, we know God is with us. Praise Him in the good times and praise Him in the bad times. Our faith can be strengthened in every situation. The Salome who chose to follow her own path resulted in the beheading of John the Baptist.

A horrible choice, yet through the death of John the Baptist , we are able to read how he followed and loved Jesus even in a terrible time. The Salome who was a follower of Jesus showed us how even when we love the Lord, there will be times of heartache. Yet, through the faith we have in Him, we can find comfort in those times. We can rest assured the day will come when He will return again.

As Christians, we find hope in knowing God is always with us. Have you read about the two women named Salome in the Bible? Have you read a book about them or perhaps watched a movie about these two women? One time we may read about the Salome who chose herself first and be reminded of a poor decision we made. Another time, we may read about the Salome who loved the Lord and be thankful to have faith and hope in God. Reading through the Bible helps us to know more about God and His message.

Every day is a good day to read His Word. Which path will you take today? Will you choose a path filled with selfish desires or a path filled with the hope and love of God? Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes laced with a bit of humor.

With stories in books, magazines, devotionals, and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. Share this. Melissa Henderson Contributing Writer 24 Jun. His Story and Significance Today. Today on Christianity. Herodias therefore persuaded Salome to dance seductively for Antipas and ask for the head of John the Baptist as a reward.

The story of the girl who could dance compellingly enough to effect an execution as her reward has struck the imagination of many artists and writers throughout the years.

Many have also used fiction to speculate about Salome's true motives, as she appears in the Bible as nothing more than a pawn in her mother's scheme. In Massenet's Opera , Herodiade , based on a novella by Gustave Flaubert, Salome is portrayed as an innocent follower of John the Baptist who commits suicide after his death. Salome's dance has also been given extensive treatment in art, from paintings by Titian, Moreau, and Klimt, among others, to the famous dance scene in the Strauss opera Salome , based on Wilde's play.