Santa Maria
Congeniality on all fronts: the vastness of the name Santa Maria
When we hear about Santa Maria, the first things that come to mind might be the mother of Jesus or the church of Santa Maria. However, we cannot overlook the various personalities that have taken the name Maria, the large number of cities around the world that bear this name, and even a historic ship. In any case, the harmony and beauty of this name are the common thread, representing kindness and universal love.
Mary (mother of Jesus), the mother of all
The figure of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most recognized in the world and highly respected from a religious standpoint. However, there are other women in the Bible named Mary, such as Mary of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the wife of Clopas, all with their own stories and messages of faith and tenacity. Outside the Bible, other women such as Maria Domenica Mazzarello and Saint Maria Goretti had a significant impact on society with their lives and faith.
Architecture paying tribute to the Virgin
The Church of Santa Maria is another classic, with many churches around the world bearing the name of Santa Maria and built to honor the Virgin Mary. Their architecture is often breathtaking, and it would be an incredible experience to visit at least one of these churches.
Cities around the world bearing the name of Santa Maria
There are several cities around the world called Santa Maria. In Brazil, there are Santa Maria (Federal District), Santa Maria (Rio Grande do Norte), and Santa Maria (Rio Grande do Sul), while in Cape Verde, there is Santa Maria (Ilha do Sal). In Latin America, we can find Santa María (Chile), Santa María (Boyacá), and Santa María Visitación (Guatemala), but also in other parts of the world, such as Santa Maria (Bulacan) in the Philippines, Santa Maria Poggio in France, Santa Maria del Real in Honduras, and Santa Maria Capua Vetere in Italy.
Names of villages, neighborhoods, and islands around the world
Not only are there cities named Santa Maria, but there are also many villages, neighborhoods, and islands around the world bearing the name. In Italy, for example, there are Santa Maria a Monte, Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Santa Maria della Versa, Santa Maria di Licodia, Santa Maria la Carità, Santa Maria Hoè, and many more. In other regions of the world, one can find other villages and islands with the name Santa Maria, such as Isola Santa Maria (Sardinia) or Isola Santa Maria (Sicily).
Musical pieces and other curiosities
The name Santa Maria is also present in many songs, such as "Santa Maria" by the duo Oliver Onions, "Santa Maria" by Maja Blagdan, and "Santa Maria" by Al Bano and Romina Power. In addition to songs, the name Santa Maria is also present in other areas: the Triassic formation in southern Brazil is called Santa Maria, as well as the ship used by Christopher Columbus in his first journey across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492.
In conclusion, the name Santa Maria refers to much more than just the mother of Jesus or a church. From important personalities to cities, villages, and islands around the world, the name is present in many forms and represents love, kindness, and universal beauty.
