Mary at the Age of 12
When Mary reached the age of 12 (Protevangelium 8–9) she must retire from her work in the temple. This is necessitated because she is getting close to the age of puberty (averaging around 13.4 years). According to the holiness laws of the temple, menstrual blood is regarded as a blood defilement, and Mary would be unable to be in the temple when she has her period.
Mary in the temple at the age of 12. Artist, Katie V. Closs, 2006.
When she leaves the temple, the priests will permit her to marry. To find a husband for her a selection of widowers is gathered, and, by means of a divine sign, Joseph is selected.
He is old and has fully grown children while Mary is still considered a child. He is reluctant. However, because of divine approval, Joseph is then assigned to be the guardian of Mary and not her husband. As a result, Mary moves into the house of Joseph in Jerusalem.
Shortly, after leaving the temple to live in Joseph’s home, the priests are planning to create a precious veil for the temple, and this task is assigned to young virgins of the house of David that reside in the temple. Seven such girls are found and the high priest, remembering that Mary who had recently left the temple is also of the house of David, invites her to join them. Mary accepts, but since she no longer lives in the temple, she will do her weaving in the house of Joseph.
