Tomorrow (December 20th) is the official start of the Yule season. These are the 12 days with the least amount of sunlight. The Celts believed that the sun stood still, and they would light fires to conquer the darkness and evil spirits. For me, celebrating the entire yule season is especially significant as Módraniht, also known as Mother's Night, is celebrated on the eve of the winter solstice. In many ancient cultures, the sun's birth was a huge deal; therefore, it made sense to worship the mother right as she gave birth.
I find myself becoming increasingly enamored by Módraniht because of its feminine focus. Thanks to the creation of masculine-focused religions, femininity has taken on a shadowed form. With women (both Cis and transgender) working in male-dominated workforces, we've had to embrace our masculine sides far more than I believe is healthy. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of our feminine sides. Alas, that is an important topic that deserves its own post. Getting back on topic, most American holidays revolve around the masculine, except for Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. Therefore, it is lovely to have another feminine-based holiday to observe.
Very little is known about Módraniht except that it was a holiday in honor of the mother's bloodline. However, looking closely at the artifacts left behind, we can gather that matron worship was very strong in the Germanic and Celtic tribes. According to Winifred Hodge's research, "more than 1100 votive stones and altars to the "matrons" or mothers have been found to date," and "many of the votive stones and monuments were dedicated by Germanic soldiers and sailors, legionaries in the Roman Empire, rather than by women." Similarly to how we use religious icons today, these altars were where they prayed to their matrons in hopes of protection, health, and well-being. Also, tokens were left if a prayer were answered, as was the case in one inscription found: "The dedication from Nîmes is engraved on a pedestal, which used to be surmounted by a statue: [-]αρταρ[ος ι]λλανουιακος δεδε / ματρεβο ναμαυσικαβο βρατουδε[…], '(?)artaros son of Illianus offered (this) to the Mothers of Nîmes, in gratitude (?), on accomplishment of a vow'" (Beck, Fig. 1). Notice how the inscription was dedicated to the 'Mothers of Nîmes' and not a specific deity. The man thanked all of the mother spirits of that particular town. This shows that even if you are not aware of your ancestors, you can still worship and revere the mother spirits of your town.
The matrons of Scandanavia (called disir) seemed to shift less from actual mothers to more spirit-like deities. Fewer names were inscribed, and their purposes were good and bad. Each family would have their group of disir, formed by the ancestors of the matriarchs of that clan. Disir helped with childbirth, gave warnings and protection to their family, brought luck, and gave them strength in battle. However, as with all females, they held a darker side as balance. Ill will, and sometimes death would follow if their families did not adequately respect them. (Hodge). Worshiping your disir would be a more private affair at home than in great temples.
Matron Goddesses to Learn About
Here is a list of some of the world's mother goddesses. This list is incomplete, but this is all I could find due to my knowledge. Please add any names in the comments of goddesses you worship and feel should be added to the list.
Asasa Ya, Asibikaashi, Bast, Bhumi, Bona Dea, Brighid, Ceres, Cybele, Demeter, Doumu, Durga, Eskeilay, Freya, Frigga, Gaia, Guanyin, Hahai-i Wuhti, Hecate, Imoinu, Ishtar, Isis, Juno, Leimarel Sidabi, Mary, Mat Zymlya, Nammou, Nana Buluku, Nüwa, Nehalennia, Pachamama, Parvati, Rhea, Thiên Y A Na, Umay, Yemaya
What Can You Give As An Offering?
If you are making an offering to a goddess, research what that goddess likes and dislikes. Just as every culture is different, so are their goddesses. If you are gifting something to the spirits of your lineage, offer them a place at your table and food from your plate. Treat them as you would your flesh and blood mother. Historic offerings would include bowls of incense, food, and images of fruit baskets, plants, trees, dogs, babies, children, and groups of women (usually in threes).
What You Can do to celebrate Módraniht?
1. Book of Names
If you currently have an ancestor altar, consider adding a Book of Names. This book lists any known ancestors you have and any stories of them. Take a moment on Módraniht to read through or add memories of the matriarchs in your life. Recording our memories is the best way to keep our family histories alive for future generations.
2. Dine with your Mothers
Like a Dumb Supper, leave a spot open at your table for the mothers. Then, serve them food and drink like you do the rest of your family. Bonus points if you can cook and serve food from a family recipe.
3. Spirit Letters
Many cultures believe that by burning something, you are sending it to the heavens by the smoke that is lifting. Try writing a letter to a deceased mother in your life. This could be a family member or a friend. Thank her for everything she taught you and all the love she shared. Then take a flameproof container such as a cast iron pot or cauldron and light the paper on fire. Be cautious and make sure you keep an eye on the flames. Once the document has burned to ash, open the window and blow the ashes into the wind. If this is not available to you, dispose of them like you do incense.
4. Matriarch Altar
Set up a small altar with photographs and some of the images that represent mothers to you. Place a small votive in front with an offering of fruit and water.
5. Call Your Mom
It's imperative to respect your spiritual matriarchs, but it's just as important to love the ones still here. Call your mom or your mother figures who are still alive and take a moment to let them know how much they are appreciated. Life and work get in the way sometimes, but everyone needs to know they are thought of now and again. I am not pressuring you to call someone you have a terrible relationship with. I understand that feeling very well. However, some of our most loving mothers have no blood ties to us. Feel free to call them.
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