the title has been in use since at least the early medieval period. originally arising from a scribal error in a supposed etymology of the name "mary", it came to be seen as allegorical of mary's role as "guiding star" on the way to christ. under this name, the virgin mary is believed to intercede as a guide and protector of seafarers in particular, the apostleship of the sea, and many coastal churches are named "stella maris" or star of the sea.