Deir Mimas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Deir Mimas دير ميماس |
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| Administration | |
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| Country |  Lebanon |
| Governorate | Nabatieh Governorate |
| District | Marjeyoun District |
| Geography | |
  Deir Mimas
Location of Deir Mimas, Lebanon
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| Elevation | 550–650 m (1,804–2,133 ft) |
Deir Mimas (also spelled Deirmimas, Deir Mamas, and Deir Mimmas) is a picturesque town 88 km southeast of Beirut in Lebanon. Named in honor of Saint Mamas, the town overlooks the Litani River and the medieval Beaufort Castle to the west and the snow-capped summits of Mount Hermon to the east.
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[edit] Agriculture
In addition to the cultivation of grapes, figs, and pistachio, Deir Mimas continues to be a major producer of olives and olive oil.
[edit] Demography
The inhabitants of Deir Mimas are Lebanese and followers of the Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches.
One of the most known individuals from Deir Mimas is Souha Bechara who was a pioneering member of the Lebanese resistance against the Israeli occupation of South Lebanon.
[edit] Etymology
Deir is derivative from the Semitic, meaning house or convent. Mimas refers to Saint Mamas, the third century shepherd who preached Christianity and had a lion as a protector. Saint Mamas became martyr after his examination in the persecutions of Aurelian.[1] In the Middle Ages, a convent was built in honor of Saint Mamas on top of a hill surrounded by olive groves. A village grew around the convent, and it was eventually named in honor of the Convent of Saint Mamas.[2] Therefore, Deir Mimas means "Convent of Saint Mamas."
[edit] Holidays
In addition to Christmas and Easter, the town celebrates the feast of Saint Mamas on September 15. Grand festivities are organized each year to honor the town's patron saint.
