Mothering the mother also benefits the baby! A Blessing Way is very different from the usual baby shower. The focus is on the mother and honoring her journey. During the ceremony participants share how they know the mom and express blessings for the upcoming birth. Introductions are also about how everyone first met the mom. Encouragement and love are shared all around the circle. There is an alter with items of significance to the mom. Everyone brings a bead for the creation of a birth necklace. Sharing where the bead came from can be fun and make the necklace more special. Candles and flowers are always welcome. A ball of yarn is passed and wrapped around one wrist of each person symbolizing connection. Chanting or singing while holding hands is another fun activity. Each person states how they will support mom during this important time in her life. The yarn is cut and each person wears their birth bracelet until after the baby has safely arrived. Food and drink can be shared after the ceremony. There is a phone tree or person who will let everyone know when labor starts. Candles can be lit during the labor and prayers offered. Many other ideas can be found online.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a Blessing Way. I was so glad I could be a part of this wonderful event. I wish we could include a rite of passage ceremony for menarche, motherhood and the wise woman phases of our lives into the fabric of our culture. Celebrating these important events can bring strength and positive energy to al who participate. Create community and support for families is so important. These events allow us to slow down and savor the importance of women’s life cycles. So much love can be expressed.