One of the mothers was kind enough to do a henna design on my hands. I am a little too modest to show my huge, stretch marky belly and so the hands were a good alternative. It turned out beautifully! She did it all by hand and it is lovely. I don't want it to fade! :)
(Oh, and just as a side note I finally had all my hair chopped off and some color added. It is pretty short but so much easier to keep care of, and I love the color!)
I love the contrast of the two designs.
There then was a ceremony where everyone brought a bead for each of my girls and one for me to symbolize their wish and blessing for me for labor and introducing a third child to our family. It was opened up with a wonderful story read by a wonderful woman about how our children "choose" us. As each woman explained the reasoning for their choice of bead I was really touched and overwhelmed. It meant so much to me. I will have these beads as I labor and will remember their thoughtfulness.
Each lit votive was from each woman after they gave their advice and care and recited the women who came before them. The long small candles and candle holders we all took away from the ceremony and they will be lit when I start labor and blown out when the little baby boy is here. I think the visualization of all these lights burning all around town for me and us is just beautiful.
This is a picture of my hands and the hands of my girls holding all the beads on my belly. The girls are so excited about their very own strand of beads... each one different and full of meaning and love.
I can't express how thankful I am to my wonderful friend who graciously hosted such a ceremony for me, my family and new expected baby. I can't express how appreciative I am of all the women who came and made it so very special for us all. Truly a lovely experience and I hope to continue to pass on the gift of this ceremony to other friends who embark on this journey of motherhood in the future.
