8 Marzo, Giornata della Donna
This morning I woke up with this distinct recollection:
On a sunny, cool morning a fifteen year old got up about 10 minutes early to harvest the last of the mimosa flowers from the tree in her mother's garden, put one sprig in her buttonhole, jumped on the bicycle and rode all the way to school, with a big smile on her face and this bunch of bright yellow, feathery flowers precariously balanced in front of the handlebars.
Along the road and at the school gate, she gave away sprigs of mimosa to any girl who wanted one, encouraging them to participate in the street parade/protest/rally to celebrate Women's Day. Sure, one would have to skip school to do that, but it was for a cause, and all the real women of the city would be there! So exciting and liberating!
In Italy, March 8th was (and maybe still is, not sure) widely celebrated. For some people, it was/is a political event, for some just an excuse not to go to school/work (although it is not a holiday). But in any event, it was/is recognized. I miss that.
Personally, I'd trade International Women's Day for Valentine Day anytime.
On a sunny, cool morning a fifteen year old got up about 10 minutes early to harvest the last of the mimosa flowers from the tree in her mother's garden, put one sprig in her buttonhole, jumped on the bicycle and rode all the way to school, with a big smile on her face and this bunch of bright yellow, feathery flowers precariously balanced in front of the handlebars.
Along the road and at the school gate, she gave away sprigs of mimosa to any girl who wanted one, encouraging them to participate in the street parade/protest/rally to celebrate Women's Day. Sure, one would have to skip school to do that, but it was for a cause, and all the real women of the city would be there! So exciting and liberating!
In Italy, March 8th was (and maybe still is, not sure) widely celebrated. For some people, it was/is a political event, for some just an excuse not to go to school/work (although it is not a holiday). But in any event, it was/is recognized. I miss that.
Personally, I'd trade International Women's Day for Valentine Day anytime.
posted by benedetta at 8:47 AM
4 Comments:
Hear, hear!!!
who knew?
Interesting. And here I was thinking that it was only a Hallmark holiday.
Mimosas for everyone!
Hi Benedetta
How are you ? I've been aware of International Women's Day happening for a few years now but never heard of anyone doing anything special to mark it. Perhaps we should. You never know, one day it may make a difference !
Heather x
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