March 8th, 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 psychologist 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 (Italian International Women's day) in 2016. Since then, throughout the month of March I try to find creative ways to reach out and celebrate the special women in my life.
Reflection
In 2016, 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 overtime it has also become a celebration of women.
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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 Mimosas, the first flower of Spring. I like that adorning part!
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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 use the month of March to have your own La Festa Della Donna celebration and find a way to adorn the special women in your life.
Spiritual ReflectionShe 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/https://mamalovesitaly.com/8th-of-march-in-italy/