For each of our daughters we had a red theme dinner. Table cloth and napkins where red. The juice was cherry juice served in wine glasses. We had spaghetti with red sauce, strawberries, etc.
Their father came home from work with red roses for them. I gave each of them a red cord tied around a roll of paper with the following write up:
How glorious that your moon cycle has started. Congratulations!
In the beginning, for about the first year, your moon cycle may not come every month. Use the red cord that came with this note to help you record this passage into womanhood.
Beginning Cycles Instructions:
When your moon cycle comes, tie a knot in one end of the red cord.
The following month, if your cycle returns, tie another knot.
If you skip a cycle, untie all the knots and start over again.
When you have tied 13 knots, you will have had 13 straight moons and this will be representative of the completion of this transitional stage into womanhood.
Cherish the cord. Place the cord with all your other treasures for safe keeping. Let the cord be a recording of this special time in your life.
The years will pass. Life can be a mystery. Live openly to life’s surprises, joys, and sorrows.
After your reproductive years, you will make another transition. At this time, take your red cord out of safe keeping and reverse the process you once finished many years before.
Ending Cycles Instructions:
When you first miss a moon cycle, untie a knot from your red cord.
Next month if you miss a cycle, untie a knot, however, if your cycle returns, tie every knot that was untied before.
Continue tying and untying the knots until you have untied all 13 knots. The untied cord will represent thirteen consecutive missed moons and your completion of this transitional stage of womanhood. Many years of wisdom will follow. As a Crone, let your wisdom and warm heart flourish.
Rejoice, Love, Mom
Submitted by: Assunta Osterholt
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More First Blood Suggestions from BirthLink Facebook Page
“Have her google “first moon celebration” and a bunch of web sites with ideas will come up. I know this is a common tradition in pagan traditions. We have “Womaning Rites” for our young teen girls after they experience their first menstrual period (or Moon Time).”
“There is a great book called Her blood is Gold. It probably has a few good ideas, if you can find a copy that is. I used to have one but have misplaced it.”
“I have heard of a Red party which celebrates the onset of menarche and often women in the girl’s life will share words of wisdom… Also I know the book The Clear Red Stone provides education at an appropriate reading level.”
Red Party is an article that talks in more detail about ceremony and can be found at the web site below.