My Sister’s Blessingway
Posted by Inexplicable Ways on July 31, 2010
You might remember that my sister was one of the fabulous four who threw a blessingway for me last summer.
I wish every expectant woman was given a Mother Blessing or Blessingway. We don’t have enough rituals surrounding the transitions in our lives.
For Noelle’s celebration, I chose a few special rituals to honor her.
Each guest brought a bead to be made into a birth bracelet for Noelle during Asher’s birth. Everyone had such amazing beads! My mom made a pendant containing beads that belonged to her, her mother, and her grandmother. Noelle’s mother-in-law found a fantastic bead featuring a babywearing mama. One friend gave Noelle a bead from a necklace she bought during their first overseas mission trip. Take a look at the gorgeous bracelet.
Each of us also wrapped an ankle or wrist in a Mothercord. We’ll wear this cord until Asher is born; each woman using the cord to remind her to pray for Noelle’s birth.
I had Noelle’s mom and her mother-in-law each braid a side of her hair. In the back, I joined the two braids with a hydrangea flower from our grandmother’s garden. Our grandmother is no longer living and I wish I’d asked her more about her own births. I know that she had all her children at home except her last born, my mother.
I set up a table for an art project. Each guest was invited (ok, ordered) to participate. They were to create a piece of art called “Becoming Mother” as a gift for Noelle.
Finally, my talented friend, Katy, henna’d Noelle’s feet. She also graciously gave each guest a small henna tattoo as a reminder of Noelle’s birth and transition into motherhood. The henna work was my favorite part of the blessingway.
Now, we wait for sweet baby Asher.
Megan said
So beautiful! I can’t wait to hear about Asher’s birth!