Postcard For Reader

Napoleon celebrates Mother's day by creating the holiday in France - Vintage Postcards

France's Fete des Mères is a holiday that was inaugurated by Napoleon in 1806. Letizia Bonaparte was a harsh mother who actually outlived her famous son by 15 years. She strongly disliked him becoming emperor and refused to attend his coronation!

The tradition of honoring mothers dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Mother Goddesses were worshipped in both of these cultures during the spring.

The Roman goddess Magna Mater or Cybele was often artistically depicted in a chariot drawn by lions. There was a belief that lions couldn’t mate or produce offspring. Cybele turned people who didn’t properly pay her tribute into these roaring beasts as a punishment Cybele embodies the fertile earth. She is the goddess of caverns, mountains, walls, fortresses, flowers, and wild animals.

Cybele’s most ecstatic followers were called the Galli. They castrated themselves in her honor during the Spring festival. I think I’ll stick to giving my Mom a vintage postcard as a gift! This is a better present idea!

My favorite Napoleon quote is: Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.