Long
before Christianity, there were the celebrations of the Goddess('s). Our ancients knew the change of the Vernal
Equinox and celebrations began then.
This year it was March 20.
Christianity tried to replace many of the pagan celebrations and did
keep some, like Easter, just changing the name and giving reason for it in
context of their religion. It was
thought that we would forget the ancient reasons why we celebrated and whom. We have not.
Eostre
was the Anglo Saxon representation of the goddess that came, in its earlier
form from the Germans who also saw her as Goddess of the Dawn. Ishtar was the Assyrian/Babylonian
symbol. For each, and many other
cultures who had such celebrations for their named goddess, the goddess represented
fertility. The egg and the bunny were
symbols of such. It is easy to figure
out the implications of rebirth, resurrection of sorts, and fertility of the
two.
Ishtar
was not only the goddess of fertility, she was also the symbol of women's
sexuality. She was the goddess of
protection of childbirth and the power of women to be able to go through
it.
Inanna
shows up in Sumerian stories. It is
interesting that these ancient stories tell of her being hung naked on a stake
and was resurrected. (To be noted: The oldest resurrection myth is the one of
Egyptian' Horus'. Horus was born on
December 25 [note the date and how the Christians used this date for
celebration rather than the date Christ was actually born] and his damaged eye
became the symbol of life and rebirth.) In the 4th Century, the association of
Mithras was another who was resurrected, and he was resurrected by his
grandmother who also resurrected his mother.
There are resurrected God stories as far back as can be found. Even the sunrise services, some religions
hold, are pagan sun worshiping celebrations.
As well, how do we know when Easter is to be celebrated? Ah, by the phases of the moon.
When we remember Easter, let us, as women, remember
the ancients who honored women, who named them goddesses, who Christianity
tried to erase. Let us remember to keep
them alive.
©Carol Desjarlais 4.16.19
Such little is known of the Goddess, as life givers are we not indeed special? In a world of such intelligence why are woman still considered lesser than men in many parts of the world. DId this come from Christianity or from man himself. A stronger body fearing a stronger mind and the ability to bear life. 2019 recognizes wealth, technology and the need for clean air. Are woman goddesses? I think not. Sad.
ReplyDeleteWe were honored by Creator.Matrilineal ancient cultures begin the sotry of creation with women and they becamse known as goddesses, and are to be deeply honored. It did not start with Christianity. It came much before because the power to create eventually stopped being a miraculous gift and became a sign of power. Males are still battling their ego today. We are, and that we remember and acknowledge that begins to have males become more aware ( note anything that starts showing up in social media and the power advertising has on a society). Eventually, hopefully, it will come to be noticed and there might be change. Of course, there will always be the need for power and control. Even women are guilty of this and they move into and up the social strata. We have to keep in mind that Creator made us a gift and act accordingly. xoxoxo
DeletePride and ego can be evil . Old testament speaks of it. One can not reach their potential with either. No one is better than the other.
ReplyDelete