Happy Mummy's Day
Hello my darklings!
Happy Mummy’s Day!
What better way to celebrate the parasitic relationship between a mother and child (ha. kidding!) than to learn about some of the creepy and spooky traditions surrounding it?
I know I’m game.
So, my darklings, let's dive into the dark and eerie history of Mother’s Day!
For starters, did you know that Mother's Day has roots in ancient pagan rituals, such as from Greece– which honored the goddess motherhood, Rhea? Rome celebrated Cybele, pre-Christian Germanic customs recognized Eostre, which led to the commonly celebrated festival of Ostara. Ostara was (and still is!) celebrated by many of the pagan way, including Celts, Saxons, and even Norse peoples.
These celebrations sometimes involve sacrifices and offerings to ensure fertility and prosperity in the coming year.
Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and we find a Christianized version of the holiday, where "Mother Church" was honored on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This eventually evolved into a celebration of mothers in general, and the modern Mother's Day was born.
To learn more about Anne Reeves Jarvis and the origins of Mother’s Day, here are two links for further reading!
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day
Now…let’s get to the creepy stuff, shall we? In some cultures, Mother's Day is associated with death, mourning, superstitions and omens. In Russia, for instance, it is believed that giving your mother yellow flowers on Mother's Day will bring her bad luck. And in Greece, it is believed that Mother's Day should only be celebrated on odd-numbered years, as even-numbered years are considered unlucky.
Perhaps the creepiest Mother's Day tradition of all comes from ancient Rome, where a festival called Matronalia was held in honor of Juno, the goddess of marriage and childbirth. During this festival, husbands would give their wives gifts, and mothers would be treated to a day of feasting and revelry. However, the celebration had a dark side: according to legend, a woman named Tarpeia was stoned to death on this day for betraying Rome to the enemy. So, in addition to the celebrations, the festival also had an element of sacrifice and punishment.
Sounds…lovely? lol
So, there you have it, my spooky darlings. A brief history of Mother's Day, complete with creepy traditions and superstitions. And if you're looking for a way to honor your mother this year, why not try giving her a bouquet of black roses or a jar of graveyard dirt? Just kidding. (Or am I?)
Speaking of mother’s day gifts…as a special treat, I am offering FREE SHIPPING on anything purchased from my online store Crimson Curiosities, until May 15. Get that Momma of yours something splattery! lol
Code: FREESHIP
https://crimson-curiosities.myshopify.com/
Mine would be horrified. Actually, maybe I should get her something and film her horrified reaction. hehehe.
ALSO in celebration of Mother’s Day…I will be making my vendor debut at the Lilypad Hopyard Brewery, this Sunday from 12pm-6pm set up to hand out information and goodies about my upcoming books and projects! They’re having a whole Mother’s Day shindig complete with multiple artists and live music and drinks…what more could you want!? I hope to see you there! :D
In Podcast news…we were finally able to get our conspiracy theorist episode posted with the ever knowledgeable and downright awesome Michael Poland. This episode is split into two parts because it’s a long one…but WELL worth it.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2137609
*BOOK REMINDER**
One of the best ways to help me with this pre-launch book business is to REQUEST, REQUEST, REQUEST!!!! Ask your local libraries, indie bookstores, and big bookstores (Books A Million/Barnes and Noble) to carry my book. You can send them an email…call…visit…send a carrier pigeon, even!
The more my books are requested, the more likely they are to stock them on the shelves.
Information they might need:
T is for Torture by Marie Lestrange
Release Date: August 31, 2023
Hardcover (ISBN: 979-8-9880338-0-6) Price: $19.99 (55% Retailer Discount through Ingram)
Paperback (ISBN: 979-8-980338-1-3) Price: $12.99 (55% Retailer Discount through Ingram)
Happy Mummy’s Day!
and
Keep it creepy you spooky bitches! <3