Definition

Noun: A miracle play is a type of medieval drama that depicts episodes from the life of a saint, martyr, or biblical figure, often focusing on miraculous events. These plays were performed to educate a largely illiterate public about religious stories and morals.

Examples

• The local guild performed a miracle play about Saint George slaying the dragon.
• Miracle plays were an important part of religious festivals in medieval Europe.
• Scholars study the miracle play to understand medieval culture and religious expression.

Advanced Usage

• Cycle plays: While a miracle play typically focuses on a single saint's life, the term is sometimes used more broadly to refer to plays within the larger "cycle" or "mystery play" sequences that depicted biblical history from Creation to Judgment Day. However, strictly speaking, mystery plays cover biblical events, while miracle plays focus on saints' lives.
  • The York Cycle includes both mystery plays and miracle plays.

Variants and Related Words

• Mystery play (n): A medieval play based on stories from the Bible (e.g., the Creation, Noah's Ark). Often grouped with miracle plays but distinct in subject matter.
• Morality play (n): A medieval allegorical drama in which personified virtues and vices struggle for a human soul (e.g., ). This is a different genre from the miracle play.
• Saint's play (n): A synonym for miracle play.

Synonyms

• Saint's play
• Medieval religious drama

Related Phrases

• To perform a miracle play: To stage or act in this type of drama.
  • The community decided to perform a miracle play for the feast day.

Noun

1. a medieval play representing episodes from the life of a saint or martyr