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BellaOnline Editor Chipmunk
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OP
BellaOnline Editor Chipmunk
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,327 |
Celebrations of mothers and motherhood have taken place for thousands of years, the Christian tradition of Mothering Sunday, on the 4th Sunday in Lent, celebrated since the middle ages in Europe, and "Mother's Day" a part of German life for 91 years.
But the reasons for adopting the custom in Germany  were not quite what one would expect.
The country had Europe's lowest birthrate in the 1920's, so it was hoped honoring mothers and motherhood would encourage an increase in the population.
Rather than the holiday celebrating individual women it celebrated an idealized concept of motherhood.
Under the Nazis it became an official holiday in 1933, and later a Mutterkreuz, Mother's Cross, was awarded on Mother's Day to those who had produced a large family, which of course, like the Olympics, came in gold, silver or bronze, depending upon just how many children had been produced for the fatherland.
Not surprisingly it was known as "The Order of the Rabbit", Karnickelorden..........probably only whispered behind cupped hands.
Now of course the second Sunday of May Mother's Day celebrations are similar to other European countries who hold them on that day.....not all do. In Germany however should the day fall on Pentecost then Muttertag will be celebrated on the first Sunday in May.
And today, although not a country which goes in for "Hallmark" holidays, there will be lots of flowers, carefully handcrafted gifts and cards and all manner of other treats, edible and otherwise, to be looked forward to and enjoyed by Germany's mothers.
While the best present of all will be a hug, a kiss and:
"Du bist die beste Mama!" - You are the best
"Ich hab’ dich liebe!" - I love you
Photo courtesy MyHeimat.de
Francine A. McKenna - German Culture Editor German Culture Site - German Culture Facebook Avatar: HOHENZOLLERNBRÃœCKE Cologne with CATHEDRAL and LUDWIG MUSEUM. The Bridge a symbol of how Germany was rebuilt after WWII, it was left in ruins, the Cathedral with roots in the 13th century represents the country's history, Museum of Modern Art the present day.
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Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
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Highest Posting Power Known to Humanity
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What an interesting history of honoring mothers. Thank you, Francine, for sharing this. I love to read about history of celebrations and holidays and learning about the origins and purpose of celebrations. Very nice!  I especially like the Mutterkreuz tradition -- I have never heard about that before.
Walk in Peace and Harmony.
Phyllis Doyle Burns
Avatar: Fair Helena by Rackham, Public Domain
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Joined: May 2010
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BellaOnline Editor Modern Day Human
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BellaOnline Editor Modern Day Human
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Posts: 12,055 Likes: 30 |
The Order of the Rabbit! Oh, that is funny, Francine. I can well imagine that it was a little joke reserved for consenting adults in private.
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BellaOnline Editor Chipmunk
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OP
BellaOnline Editor Chipmunk
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Am happy you enjoyed it Phyllis, it is fun hearing about different customs..........and yes imagine that medals for producing children. Definitely a  for the day.
It began with a bronze medal for four or five, silver for six or seven and then gold for any number after that. Gosh that would have been a lot of work in those days too, not sure a gold medal would really make it any easier.
Francine A. McKenna - German Culture Editor German Culture Site - German Culture Facebook Avatar: HOHENZOLLERNBRÃœCKE Cologne with CATHEDRAL and LUDWIG MUSEUM. The Bridge a symbol of how Germany was rebuilt after WWII, it was left in ruins, the Cathedral with roots in the 13th century represents the country's history, Museum of Modern Art the present day.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,327
BellaOnline Editor Chipmunk
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OP
BellaOnline Editor Chipmunk
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,327 |
Fell about laughing when I first heard it said Mona, saw one of the medals for sale in an antique type shop and asked what it was, so was told the story.
Even though that was about twenty years ago still giggle to myself, probably not improved by the fact that we actually have lived in areas where the few rabbits to be seen at the beginning of spring had turned into hundreds running through the fields by autumn.
You are right though, no one would have dared say that out loud.
Francine A. McKenna - German Culture Editor German Culture Site - German Culture Facebook Avatar: HOHENZOLLERNBRÃœCKE Cologne with CATHEDRAL and LUDWIG MUSEUM. The Bridge a symbol of how Germany was rebuilt after WWII, it was left in ruins, the Cathedral with roots in the 13th century represents the country's history, Museum of Modern Art the present day.
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