Saturday, December 07, 2013

"A Virgin A Day": Day 7

Anniversario 430 Anos



Our virtual 12 day procession of Mary continues. This is another one of the homes that has readied itself for a blessing from the priest during the evening procession in the neighborhood on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe somewhere in the south valley of Albuquerque. 


Mary's Gold





The marigold was called Mary's Gold by early Christians who placed the flowers around statues of Mary, offering the blossoms in place of coins. It was told that Mary used the blossoms as coins. A legend says that during the flight into Egypt the Holy Family was accosted by a band of thieves. They took Mary's purse and when they opened it, marigolds fell out. Click here for more information.

As human beings, we all turn to examples of what we are trying to model our behavior after. It serves as a reminder to keep trying. It serves as inspiration. Most importantly, perhaps, is that it serves as an example to follow (as best we can).

It's not about idolatry worship-nothing could be further from the truth. It's about recognition and honoring the role that this incredible woman was chosen for.

An annual tradition for a group of us (hosted by the amazing Rebecca Brooks) is to post something about our Blessed Mother for 12 days-starting with December 1st and concluding on the Feast Day of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Dec. 12th. I will admit, that for all of us, our lives are busy lives; particularly as we head into the Holiday Season. This kind of commitment is not as easy to do as one would think! However, it is not an exclusive group. You may join in just for one day, partial, or all!

And, by all means, please be sure to stop by and visit a few others who are on this 12 day journey.

9 comments:

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

I love the idea of having a purse full of marigold petals!

Hettienne Grobler said...

This information about marigolds is completely new to me! I just love this story! And your photograph is just exquisite - the light!

Gillena Cox said...

i have to get a Marigold plant for my garden


much love...

Anonymous said...

Several years ago I had the pleasure of a week's vacation in New Mexico right after Christmas. It was so magical to see all the homes and hotels decorated in Alb, Santa Fe and Taos. Luminaries everywhere. Thanks for sharing this with us and the story of the marigolds.

Nonnie said...

I love marigolds long before I learned about their being associated with Our Mother Mary. I learned it at our dear Rebecca's blog.
I love that you are sharing this journey in your city!

rebecca said...

thank you paula, your offering today is sun kissed with the memory of marigolds in bloom! your story of mary's purse is delightful! i also realized that i never thought of Mary with a purse before! thank you for making her so accessible and human!
xo

Priti Lisa said...

My Nani told me all about Mary-golds when I was a child...also to clip the heads after they turn brown and release the seeds...they will come up in the spring all by themselves...I am still growing the same flowers from her plants(she died in 1983)
♥ ♥ ♥

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

I never knew this about marigolds and their association with Mary. The Lady of Guadalupe in my rose garden will have marigolds with her when summer rolls around again. Wonderful post! Beautiful photos!

Lea said...

I too did not know this about marigolds, and love the symbolism and what you have shared here. Thank you!

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