How to Host a Blessingway

Twenty-seven years ago this week, I was waiting for the birth of my second child and was determined not to let my beach ball sized belly deter me from swimming at my favorite beach. I remember asking the lifeguard if they did waterbirths (he did not find this humorous or probably have any idea what I was talking about, but in my very pregnant state I thought it was hilarious). Fast forward to one year ago, and I was waiting for the birth of my first grandchild. How time flies! One of my favorite memories of this time with my daughter was her Blessingway shower.

Baby showers with games and balloons are a traditional way to help expectant parents stock the nursery shelves. I like a good game, but fell in love with the concept of a Blessingway or Mother Blessing shower. This ceremony comes from the Navajo tradition and strives to honor and bless the expectant mother with wisdom from her closest female relatives and friends.

Because my daughter’s Blessingway was during COVID, we had to get creative. The auntie-to-be delivered a gift bag for the guest of honor with a flower crown, table decorations, food and gifts (yes, you can still have presents) 😊. I mailed candles in advance to all the special guests and invited them to light their candles as the ceremony begun. Candles, poems, songs, and family birth stories (uplifting ones) rounded out our event, but there are many other ways to customize a Blessingway for your special-mom-to be. Hoping I have another chance to do one soon but this time in person!

I would be honored to organize and facilitate a Blessingway for your special mom-to be, simply contact me for plans/pricing at hello@bevgillen.com.  

Thanks for Ryan Franco for photo. ryanmfranco.myportfolio.com