I wanted to say a bit on Mother’s Day, in honour of the holiday this weekend. This year is slightly different from previous years in that my birth or biological mother has re-entered my life. This event has caused me to reflect on both being a child and a mother, and the reasons we have to celebrate both in indeed what may be a complicated world.
Mother’s Day originates (so it is thought) from the ancient Greek who would celebrate the ‘global’ (literally) mother, Mother Earth. In today’s environmentally sensitive generation, it would be nice to tie this back into the celebration, because indeed we should all give thanks to that from which we all sprang and are sustained. (Ok, my green poke done!)
Of course Mother’s Day, like many pagan holidays, has taken on major religious significance for some branches of the Christian faith. And while I would argue that many a pagan holiday has been ruined by commercialized religion, not so with this one. Although I myself am not ‘religious’ per se, I think Mary is a wonderful symbol of motherhood – giving yourself over to the mystery, love and pain of being a mother is indeed a test for which all mothers can benefit from some inspiration.
When reading on regarding the history of Mother’s Day, there was an especially interesting section on how during Nazi Germany, mother’s day was used by the Nazi party to promote pro-creation – in essence to add more live bodies to the movement (similar to how the church still uses procreation – makes you think…). And while those themselves may be somewhat thought provoking in perhaps negative ways, on a positive note to all you women and mothers out there – it is empowering to be reminded of what power does lie within us…
And also interesting, the holiday was protested at a certain point in the mid-1900’s for being too commercial and lazy a way to honour mothers. No, carnations and a Hallmark card don’t quite make the grade to some people! I myself am fond of the scrapbook of homemade cards and gifts I have received over the years. I will take one of those over a diamond heart shaped pendant any day.
Indeed, one is not a mother, without a child. And in saying that I recognize all types of motherhood, whether through birth, adoption, being a step-mother, or simply a mother figure in someone’s life (even if to a dog, cat or other pet). That connection is sacred and deserves honouring.
Today, I would like to honour my mothers – adoptive, biological, step, and figurative, who brought me into this world, and have sustained me emotionally and physically in all my years since. I would also like to honour my children, who elevated me to the sacred role of mother and in so doing made me part of the magical circle of life. In sum, a favourite quote of mine, “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” (David Viscott)
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