Apr
30
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By Rhea Worrell, Marketing Specialist for The Judy Weinstock Team The United States celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. The commemoration was of Mother’s Day was initiated after the Civil War by poet-abolitionist-pacifist-suffragist Julia Ward Howe (who’s perhaps best known for writing the lyrics to the Battle Hymn of the Republic). Loosely based on the British holiday, it was intended as a call to unite women against war. The poem Howe wrote in 1970 for the original Mother’s Day is entitled The Mother’s Day Proclamation. As for Mother’s Day gifts, that’s a separate tradition. Apparently, it has become one of the most commercialized of all holidays. Perhaps it’s time to turn back the clock — not just to Howe’s idealism, but back to the basics: the appreciation of Springtime, regeneration and new life embodied in celebrations of May Day that go back thousands of years. Perhaps the best modern Mother’s Day memories involve one’s one own kids gathering fistfuls of flowers and holding them out to their mom with a winsome smile as a gift. The kicker is one simple word: mommy. Sentimental? You bet. But isn’t that the whole idea of most holidays? Reviving and reliving the really moving and positive sentiments from your life? So we start with flowers and plants as the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Options in order of green-ness: native plants, shrubs or wildflowers to plant in her garden, plants from a local nursery to plant in her garden, cut flowers from a local farm or farmer’s market, cut flowers that are sustainably-grown elsewhere. The great thing about native plants in one’s backyard is that you are preserving a potentially-endangered natural resource, helping native fauna and beautifying your surroundings as well. Many of the plants are quite easy to grow if they are sited properly. Consult Extenison or master gardener program, local colleges with horticulture programs or local botanic gardens and nurseries. for specific suggestions. Other options: a gift from your own garden, kitchen, computer, studio or workshop,a gift from local farmers markets or art fairs, a gift that will save the earth — and the people on it! These are some of the terms to look for in selecting a gift.
Popular gift choices
Jewelry, Gifts & Clothing: The following sites offer fair trade, artisan, organic and sustainable options. There’s some really cool stuff here! Thousands of interesting and fun gifts! Still need suggestions? Try these gift guides: |
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