Nativity of Mary

Joachim and Anna lived devoutly and quietly, using only a third of their income for themselves and giving a third to the poor and a third to the Temple. They were well provided for except that they were childless.
Once, when they were already old and were in Jerusalem to offer sacrifice to God, the High Priest upbraided Joachim, "You are not worthy to offer sacrifice with those childless hands." Others who had children jostled Joachim, thrusting him back as unworthy. This caused the two great grief and they went home with very heavy hearts.
Both Anna and Joachim had a vision of an angel, who gave them tidings of the birth of a daughter who would bring great joy to the world.
Icons of the Nativity of Mary can depict several scenes the most important of which is the birth itself. Anna is seen on a bed and attended to by women as was customary for Jewish births. Other scenes can include the traditional washing of the baby Mary, Joachim waiting to hear news of the birth, the couple ebracing with their child, and the meeting at the gates also known as the conception of Mary.