It seems like there is a “day”
dedicated to everything. Thus you could literally celebrate something every day but International Women’s Day is a day worth embracing. It is a celebration with a political history but it is also a day to appreciate women. In Maslow's principle, the human need for love and belonging is third on his list to reaching our best self or self-actualization. This need can be expressed in deep friendships so I was excited when my friend invited me to my first celebration of La Festa Della Donna.
Reflection
I really did not even know there was an International Women’s Day (IWD) which is celebrated
yearly on March 8th. I learned that this day has political roots and that the United Nations uses this day to bring awareness of the political and social
struggles of women worldwide. However,
IWD celebrations, like a chameleon, change with the culture and time period of the celebration.
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| Mimosa-come out in spring in Italy |
My girlfriend explained that in Italy, the IWD celebration is called La Festa Della Donna, and that it is
more like a merger of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s day. It’s Italy’s day to celebrate women’s accomplishments and struggles
and has a positive fun flavor. On this day men are to adorn their woman with yellow flowers called Mimosa. This is
also the first flower of Spring.
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| Yellow gnocchi |
Our celebration was with a group of women that I
have known for many years. It was a
reason to dress in yellow and eat yellow foods such as pineapple tiramisu and
yellow gnocchi. We laughed, told stories,
rejuvenated our friendships,
and celebrated our uniqueness. It’s a positive way to usher in spring and brighten the gray days of March in
Pittsburgh. I say mark your calendar on March 8th next year
for your own La Festa Della Donna celebration.
Spiritual Reflection
She is clothed with strength
and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her
words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. She
carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear
the consequences of laziness.
Her children stand and
bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you
surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive,
and beauty does not last: but a women who fears the Lord will be greatly
praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her
praise. (Proverbs 31:25-31)
Other sources
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/