Just got home...
The celebration for my friend's daughter was today. She was dressed up in a very pretty dress and had her hair and makeup done for her. Her mother had put together a ceremony blessing her, "may you always taste the sweet that life has to offer (gives her taste of honey)," "may you be strong when the bitter things come (places a grain of course salt on her tongue)," etc. She sat in a special chair and each person there introduced themselves and stated the maternal lineage. "I am Alison, daughter of ( ), grand daughter of ( ), great grand daughter of ( ), great-great grand daughter of ( )," etc. as far back as each woman knew. Each had written a blessing, wish, or prayer for her. Mine was "Know that your body is one of the greatest gifts God has given you. Respect it. Love it. Honor the wisdom that He placed in it." And each person presented her with a gift. I ended up finding a red velvet covered journal and also bought her a nice pen to go with it. When all had spoken and given their gift, her mother brought out a very nice spread of food.
It was really cool to witness. I was glad for my daughter to see celebration and joy instead of dread and fear.
It was really cool to witness. I was glad for my daughter to see celebration and joy instead of dread and fear.