Tuesday, March 08, 2011

La festa della donna*

*La giornata internazionale della donna (International Woman's Day)

The flower stalls and street vendors were over flowering with yellow today as bundles of mimosa were stocked for International Woman's Day. It is the tradition here in Italy for men to present the important women in their lives with a bunch of the feathery yellow flower in recognition of the day. The flowers are intended as a sign of respect for women and also an expression of solidarity with the women in their support for oppressed women worldwide.

So for all the important women in my life and there are many - from childhood friends, colleagues, internet friends - here is a virtual bouquet with my wish that one day all women will be truly equal.


Though the reasons for the mimosa are unknown the roots and history of the observation are well explained over at Life In Italy.

08 marzo - San Giovanni di Dio

2 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Maybe someone got mixed up and men are supposed to serve us orange juice and champagne today?

yvette said...

When you think we really live next door and ignore so many things from each other traditions! Mimosa, the gorgeous yellow flower of all, is then the dedicated flower for equality? Thank you Willym for this post!
I tend to think that all the special days give us good conscience, and yet for women rights in France they are to be defended all the time (abortion in particulalar lately) So ... I guess we all are in the "same boat". Your mimosa display is lovely! Merci du fond du coeur! (one of these many simple sentences not easy to translate!)