Mother's Day in Mdantsane

In this post I am sharing some special pictures with you. 

Mrs.Tom whom I have introduced to you in an earlier article had organized a special Mother's Day celebration on the 31.5.2011 that took place in a church in Mdantsane. To my surprise, I have to admit, because this was not the official date on which Mother's Day is usually celebrated all over the world. 

But she explained to me, that many women were too busy with their daily tasks, did not have the chance or money to celebrate on that day. So she and some other women took the initiative and organized this day to have a special day for themselves. 

The women arrived on a freezing cold day in their traditional beautiful Xhosa attire.

Traditional dresses are worn to many religious celebrations and festivities still today in all regions of South Africa. They are treasured and well looked after. A traditional Xhosa outfit for a woman is expensive to make and therefore is sometimes worn for many years and only at special days today.

On this day an ice cold wind was blowing and the women had to wear additional t-shirts, woolen sweaters and knee tights to keep a little bit warm. But they did in in style and just looked fantastic.

There is a type of traditional dress that is worn and reserved especially for young just married women.

But the dresses you see in the picture are worn by older women.

Beautiful traditional African bead-work jewelry in bright colors is complementing the outfit and is often worn also around the anklets.

I have worked several years with Non-Government Organization and Self-Help Initiatives and when someone who is or can be considered a potential donor is coming for a visit - that visit is understandably thoroughly prepared to show the organization from it's best side. Everybody does this. But often the true spirit and the common goal that has brought a great group into life is buried under these preparations and does not shine through.

The beauty of this celebration that I could witness was that it was unexpected for me and completely natural.

Later on the women will unite in the church to sing and pray together. 

But they will go to the market as well and see what food they can buy

And cook a meal together, may be a hot soup on this cold day.!!!

So if I summarize it is : PRAY, EAT AND LOVE !

I think another famous author has told us this just recently in a book !