The Nourishing word: The symbolism of milk in Early Christianity and the Middle Ages

Nutrition meant many things to late antique and medieval Christians. It is important to remember that essential for them were fasting and participation in the Eucharist; these practices were fundamental ways to praise God and to acknowledge their sinfulness. They received God most personally and intimately in the holy meal in which he became bread and wine, and also in milk-consumption and/or offering. That because milk, especially in its capacity of maternal nourishment, was perceived as both biological and mystical, and as an indication as to how the earthly and heavenly realities intertwine. Miraculous occurrences of lactation were frequently reported in the Middle Ages and they involved, interestingly, both women and men. My presentation will introduce some of the texts and images illustrating these assertions