National Dolores Day – April 12, 2024

History of National Dolores Day

The word ‘Dolores’ is of Spanish origin. It is the plural form of the Spanish word ‘dolor,’ which means ‘pain’ or ‘sorrow.’ Even in Latin, the word dolor has the same meaning. The use of Dolores as a feminine name started with the Roman Catholic Church, whose influence in Spain began in 1 A.D. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was given many titles, including the Latin ‘Mater Dolorosa’ or ‘Mother of Sorrows,’ that became an essential subject for Marian art in the Church as well.

In Spain, Mary held the title, ‘Nuestra Señora de los Dolores’ (La Virgen María de los Dolores), which translates to ‘Our Lady of Sorrows’ in English. The emphasis has always been on the sorrow and pain Mother Mary went through. In Christian iconography, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, the ‘Seven Sorrows of Mother Mary’ is a popular art theme and a part of the faith. Dolores has a few English variants, including Delora, Delores, and Deloris. The French variants of this name are Dolorès, Douleurs, and Lola. Lolita is a diminutive or short form of the name.

The name Dolores became prevalent in the twentieth century in English-speaking countries, particularly in the U.S., where it was one of the top choices for feminine baby names in the 1920s and 30s. Actresses such as Dolores Costello, Dolores del Rio, and Dolores Moran made the name synonymous with Hollywood and gave it a starry appeal. Perhaps the most famous Dolores of modern times is Dolores O’Riordan, the lead singer of the Irish rock band “The Cranberries.” Another character who made this name famous is Dolores Umbridge, the primary antagonist in J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece, “Harry Potter.”