Written by Lisa Smith
Moms deserve a special day all to themselves. Being a mom myself, I am probably biased, but…I believe that being a mother is the most difficult thing a woman can do & the accomplishment is something to be celebrated!
The origins of Mother’s Day have roots in the 1600s. Mothering Day as it was called in England, became an especially compassionate holiday toward the working class women. On the Sunday of Lent, servants and trade workers were allowed to travel back to their towns of origin to visit their families. Mothering Day also provided a one-day reprieve from the fasting and penance of Lent so that families across England could enjoy a sumptuous family feast — Mother was the guest of honor. Mothers were presented with cakes and flowers, as well as a visit from their beloved and distant children.
The modern day US celebration is very similar to the celebrations of the English so long ago. We shower our Mothers with flowers, greeting cards and gifts to thank them for their devotion and love. However, the Holiday is not specific to the United States and is celebrated all over the world in a number of different ways.
Argentina: During Día de la madre, young children gather their mothers together and read them poetry.
Japan: On haha no hi, families prepare traditional dishes that their mothers taught them to cook. The Japanese give their Mothers flowers (especially red carnations), scarves, handkerchiefs and handbags.
United Kingdom: The Mother’s day traditions include a gift of violet and the customary Simnel Cake, a glazed fruitcake inspired by a folk tale about a married couple, Simon and Nell. So the story goes, this pair could not decide bake or broil a cake. So in the end they did both. Thus Simnel Cake was born.
Finland: Mother’s Day is called aidipayiva and in the morning the family takes a walk, picks new flowers and makes a bouquet for their mother. A particular flower called the valkovuokko is favored. Mom is then presented with a decorated bouquet, while also being served breakfast in bed.
Sweden: Mother’s Day takes a charitable course; the Swedish Red Cross sells small plastic flowers leading up to the holiday, and the proceeds raised are given to poor mothers and their children.
This year to celebrate our wonderful Mothers in a new and different way, perhaps we can adopt a few of the unique customs that are celebrated around the world. Read a poem to your mom, bake a cake, serve her breakfast in bed, or make a charitable donation in her name. Take it from someone who knows, she will appreciate the originality and thought that is put into making Mother’s Day such a special and wonderful day of celebration!
Lisa Smith has a BA in Psychology & is the Owner/CEO of Regionz Kidz, a multi-cultural infant & toddler clothing line featuring ethnically diverse characters and designs. She publishes a blog on her website http://www.regionzkidz.com that discusses cultural diversity & children & is a frequent guest blogger on other blogs and websites regarding parenting and children’s issues. She is also a monthly contributor to Educated Mommy Magazine.
by Lisa Smith
We are all familiar with the US version of the Valentine’s Celebration – but how do other cultures celebrate the Holiday?
In the UK a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children.
In Wales many people celebrate St Dwynwen's Day on 25 January instead of, or as well as, St Valentine's Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers.
In Finland, Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's day". As the name says, this day is more about remembering your friends than your loved ones.
In Slovenia, a proverb says that "St Valentine brings the keys of roots," so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. Another proverb says "Valentin - prvi spomladin" ("Valentine — first saint of spring"), as in some places, Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.
To put a unique spin on Valentine’s Day try incorporating some of the other special traditions practiced by cultures around the world.
- Leave a present for your child on the doorstep from Jack Valentine.
- Spend time with your friends and encourage your children to do the same. Focus on fellowship more than the feelings of love.
- Plant flowers, trees or bushes in celebration of the coming of Spring.
Valentine’s Day can be a fun and memorable day for children, families, parents and singles alike if we look at the Holiday through a different pair of eyes.
Lisa Smith has a BA in psychology, & is the Owner of Regionz Kidz http://www.regionzkidz.com a multi-cultural infant and toddler clothing line with ethnically diverse characters and designs. She publishes a blog on the Regionz Kidz website that features articles about cultural diversity and children & she is a guest blogger on several other websites and blogs relating to parenting and children’s issues. She is also a monthly contributor to Educated Mommy Magazine.
Good Morning All:
We survived the haunting task of shopping for swim suits yesterday. They have already been tucked away in secret nooks, not to be viewed again until time to put them on. That's fine by me. I try not to spend too much time contemplating myself in a bathing suit. I close my eyes, put it on, bask in the heavenly sun, and close my eyes to take it off. Needless to say, I am not a fan of wearing a swimsuit.
On to today's business, which is a "My Favorite Things" post.
As you can see in the picture above, one of my favorite things is a mossy, rusted rabbit with a pipe, ever so elegantly, protruding from the top of his head. To me, he is one of the sweetest things in my garden. This rabbit, in his previous life, was the lamp that sat in my daughter's nursery. She used it until she decided she wanted something more "grown up". In truth, I've had this lamp longer than I've had my daughter, as he was purchased for her nursery before she was born. He sat, guarding her sleep for so many years. When Ava decided that she was ready for a change, I just couldn't say good-bye to the loyal bunny that gave my daughter comfort and light. So, I took off his lampshade and was able to see him in a new "light". He would be ever so perfect in my garden. I must say, he loves his new home, and has even been kind enough to take on a beautiful patina of mossy green. He stands tall and proud alongside the daylilies and geraniums, and he never fails to make me smile. Even now, with his connection to electricity removed and his lampshade long gone, he still shines brightly and comforts my heart.
Now, here is a peek at my newly listed collage print in My Etsy Shop.
LITTLE BOBBY-DRESS UP AND THE RELUCTANT VISITOR
Until Tomorrow:
Kim
Garden Painter Art
gnarly-dolls
Author: Janet S. Wong
Illustrator: David Roberts
Published: 2007 Candlewick Press
ISBN: 0763623806 Amazon.ca Amazon.com
Crawling with cockroaches, crankiness and whole lot of creativity, this imaginative story of community recycling makes saving the earth a cheeky adventure.
For information about MagazineLiteracy.org’s KinderHarvest magazine recycling initiative, click here.
Podcasts mentioned:
Tags:
childrens book review,
David Roberts,
earth day,
Janet S. Wong,
Podcast,
recycling,
The Dumpster Diverchildrens book review,
David Roberts,
earth day,
Janet S. Wong,
Podcast,
recycling,
The Dumpster Diver
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i love the rabbit!
coincidentally, i just bought a fat rabbit garden ornament even though i live in a flat with no garden!
he has taken pride of place, and way too much space on my work desk!
and lovely work, as ever!
I love your mossy bunny too! He almost seems like a carousal animal with the pipe sticking out his head.