Santa Christina (Songs of Hearth and Altar)
The story revolves around a young woman who lives on the outskirts of a small village. She is known for her beauty and kindness, but also for her isolation from the community. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, spirituality, and the human condition through Santa Christina's experiences and interactions with those around her.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational · 556 words
First lines
Saints are God's flowers, fragrant souls That His own hand hath planted, Not in some far-off heavenly place, Or solitude enchanted, But here and there and everywhere, -- In lonely field, or crowded town, God sees a flower when He looks down.
Some wear the lily's stainless white, And some the rose of passion, And some the violet's heavenly blue, But each in its own fashion, With silent bloom and soft perfume, Is praising Him who from above Beholds each lifted face of love.
What this Textopian page supports
Santa Christina (Songs of Hearth and Altar) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational, Biographical, Family
- Length: 556 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Religious — The themes revolve around spirituality, sainthood, and divine grace.
- Inspirational — The narrative conveys uplifting messages about love, virtue, and remembrance.
- Biographical — The poem reflects on the life and influence of a specific individual, Christina.
Tags
Christianity · Poetry · Spirituality · Faith · Religion · Devotional · Literary Fiction · Symbolism · Mythology · Folklore · Cultural Heritage · Historical Fiction