And a favorite time to get married – at least, in 2015.
Fast-forward to 2023, and June falls to number three, according to a recent post on Brides.com. For the curious-minded, October was number one, followed by September.
Credit: Illustration of the Roman goddess Juno by Samantha C. George
Juno? Who was Juno?
June is also the month named for Juno, one the Romans most popular goddesses.
Over the next few blog posts, we will learn how Juno influenced the modern-day wedding. But first, we start with how “June” became the sixth month of the calendar we still use today.
The Month of June
So, how did “June” become the sixth month of our calendar?
June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, the god of marriage and childbirth. She was the wife of Jupiter, the king of the gods.
June, the sixth month of the Julian calendar, was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE. It was on this date that June’s 29 days changed to 30 days, as per timeanddate.com.
Juno: The Goddess of Marriage
In Roman mythology, Juno was the queen of the gods and the protector of women and marriage. Her Greek counterpart was Hera.
Juno oversaw all aspects of women’s lives, from birth to marriage and family. As the goddess of marriage, Juno blessed and protected couples. So, those seeking her blessing did so to gain favor amongst the gods so that their marriages would have a higher probability of working out.
The popularity of June weddings dates back to ancient Rome. Marrying in June was believed to honor Juno. Which is why couples leaned toward June. After all, they thought that Juno brought harmony and prosperity to the marriage.
Legacy of Time
June weddings are a testament to the legacy of these ancient beliefs. Even though many modern-day couples choose to marry in June, they may not realize they’re following a tradition that dates back millennia.
In Part 2 of this series, we will continue to explore how Juno influenced the modern-day wedding.
is a time to honor and celebrate the fathers in our lives. While expectations of fathers may have changed over the years, the core values of what makes a good father (or step-father) are timeless.
A good father is more than just a provider; he is a nurturer, a guide, and a pillar of support for his partner, children, and community.
Core Values of a Good Father
Attachment
Attachment theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby, emphasizes the importance of forming a secure bond between a child and their caregiver. A good father fosters this bond through consistent presence and emotional availability. He helps his children develop a sense of security and trust by providing comfort and support. It starts with taking turns with changing diapers, late-night feedings, and going to bed routines. This secure attachment lays the foundation for healthy emotional development and relationships throughout the child’s life.
Attunement
Attunement refers to a parent’s ability to recognize, understand, and respond appropriately to their child’s emotional states. A good father is attuned to his children’s spoken and unspoken needs. He listens actively, observes carefully, and provides support to help them navigate their feelings. A good father is empathetic and helps his children feel understood and valued, fostering their emotional intelligence and resilience.
Respect
Respect is fundamental to any healthy relationship, and the father-child relationship is no exception. A good father respects his children’s individuality and encourages their autonomy. He acknowledges their unique personalities, interests, and perspectives and supports their independence. By showing respect, he teaches his children to value themselves and others, promoting a healthy sense of self-worth and mutual respect in their interactions.
Personal Growth
A good father is not only a teacher but also a learner. He models personal growth by adapting to his family’s changing needs. Whether deepening emotional intimacy with his spouse, enhancing parenting skills, or working on personal challenges, his commitment to growth inspires his children to pursue their own development paths. This lifelong learning mindset fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience within the family.
Prioritizing Children’s Needs
One of the defining qualities of a good father is his ability to prioritize his children’s needs. This does not mean neglecting his own well-being but instead finding a balance where the children’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs are prioritized. A good father understands the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment, even if it requires personal sacrifices. He makes sure they have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Mental Health
A good father values good mental health. He recognizes the importance of emotional well-being and openly discusses such things. By addressing issues such as respect, value, self-esteem, stress, anxiety, and depression, he helps normalize the conversation. Providing space for emotional expression and seeking professional help promotes a healthy, balanced life.
Respect for the Mother of His Children
A good father shows respect for the mother of his children. He recognizes that a harmonious and respectful relationship sets a positive example for their children. Whether partners or co-parents, mutual respect and cooperation are crucial for creating a stable and loving environment. By treating the mother of his children with kindness, consideration, and respect, he demonstrates the importance of healthy relationships and teamwork. This respect benefits the children by providing a model of positive interaction that strengthens the overall family unit.
The Legacy of a Good Father
Father’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the profound impact that good fathers have on their children’s lives. Good fathers lay a solid foundation. As we celebrate this special day, let us honor the fathers who embody these qualities and strive to be the best role models they can be. Their dedication and love create a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Happy Father’s Day
#Father’sDay #Attachment #Attunement #Respect #Mental Health #RoleModel
Vibrantly red in color with the sweetness of sugar, strawberries have been around for centuries. Ancient Romans believed the fruit to be a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love. This led to rituals associating strawberries with love and fertility.
The Heart Chakra
A sacred fruit to some, symbolizes the heart, as in the heart chakra, the energy center of love and compassion. It represents purity, abundance, and the sweetness of life. Indulging in strawberries can be a mindful practice that invites us to savor each bite as we thank God for the blessings in our lives.
Sensuality
Image Credit: gypsygirlgourmet.blogspot.com
Chocolate-dipped strawberries add a hint of passion and sensuality to its characteristics. Often thought of as an aphrodisiac, chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins and “feel good” hormones, which can tingle the senses. This Valentine’s treat symbolizes desire and indulgence and is a thoughtful gift for a special person in your life.
Eating together is considered a sacred act in tantric and spiritual traditions. It symbolizes a union. A sharing of nourishment at a physical and spiritual level. Thus, eating strawberries with a loved one can deepen emotional connection.
Fresh and Sassy
Whether strawberries are picked in a garden or bought from the grocery store, they are fresh and sassy. They are versatile, too! They can adorn a beautiful platter of cheese and crackers by slicing them thinly, fanning them, and keeping the stem intact. Dipping them in chocolate and poking them on sticks can resemble a vase of flowers. Dicing them and placing them in a glass bowl, whisper, “Use me as a topping.” For salads, for ice creams, for whatever you can dream.
The next time you reach for a strawberry, pause. Take it in. Allow yourself to fully experience the lusciousness this fruit provides.
The color.
The taste.
The love.
Share God’s Love
May the next strawberry you eat connect your soul profoundly and meaningfully to God, to love, and to others. Go and savor the heart-shaped fruit and experience the simple beauty of nature.
Valentine’s Day is a day of love and passion. It is a day to declare your love to those you love. For me, Valentine’s Day reminds me of strawberries. Chocolate-covered strawberries, to be exact. There is something extra special about them. Maybe because it is a once-a-year treat.
Image Credit: publicdomainvectors.org
Love is in the Air
If I had to define what love tastes like, I would choose a strawberry. A ripe strawberry tastes like the very essence of love. First, the smell. The fresh aroma starts to tingle the senses. Then, the bite. The first bite lingers on your tongue. It is a sweet-tart sensation that intermingles in your mouth.
Harmony
In North America, strawberries symbolize reconciliation, harmony, and positive energy. In Europe, they suggest righteousness and spiritual purity. (The Language of Flowers: A Miscellany” by Mandy Kirkby.)
Fruit of the Spirit
In the Bible, strawberries can represent the Fruit of the Spirit. They convey love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). When we see and eat strawberries, we can reflect on the goodness God provides to us. Strawberries urge us to bear spiritual fruit in our lives.
Devotion and Service
Strawberries also remind us of devotion and service to others. These red fruits are wrapped in a heart-shaped package. Each one represents love for ourselves and love for others. It is the force that binds us all together as one.
Strawberries also represent sensuality. The God-given pleasure of life. Think about it.
The Strawberry:
Red
Sweet
Luscious
Shhhhh – I Love You!
So, the next time you bite into a strawberry, pause. Let its flavor linger on your lips, and consider the whispers it carries. Love, devotion, and sensuality are wrapped in the tiny, heart-shaped package.
May the sweetness of strawberries remind you of life’s divine flavors.
Strawberries are an incredible fruit. Their medicinal properties date back to the ancient Romans. According to David Trinklein from The University of Missouri, Integrated Pest Management, the Romans used strawberries to remedy kidney stones and other ailments. Another interesting fact he uncovered was Madame Tallien, related to Napoleon, bathing in twenty-two pounds of fresh strawberry juice. Maybe she knew something we don’t?
In a recent article from the Cleveland Clinic, Registered Dietitian Bailey Flora, MS, RDN, LD, describes the benefits of the naturally dense, low-caloric strawberry.
“Strawberries give you a lot of nutritional value for very few calories,” says Flora. “They’re tasty but naturally low in sugar. That’s a combination that’s hard to beat.”
Bailey Flora, MS, RDN, LD
Nutritional Powerhouse
Ms. Flora teaches us that eight strawberries contain 160% of your daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C. They are also packed with anthocyanin, an antioxidant. The more vibrant the color, the more antioxidant value it has. Fiber, manganese, potassium, and folic acid are also in strawberries and have less sugar than other fruits.
Strawberries are a tiny gift. A gift of love. A gift of nourishment. A gift to the taste buds. If you want a delicious, minimalistic, consumable gift for Valentine’s Day, visit your local farmer’s market or grocery store.
It is one of my favorite holidays. I don’t get suckered into commercialism; I take time to reflect on love. Past. Present. Future.
So, spending the next few posts exploring the connection between Valentine’s Day, love, and strawberries is fitting. Remember that Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love. It doesn’t necessarily involve romantic love. Love is love.
Image Credit: Betsy Cox PublicDomainPictures.net
Is it a Plant or a Fruit?
Valentine’s Day is a perfect time for indulging in fresh strawberries from the farmer’s market. Their sweet aroma fills the air and dazzles the senses, evoking a smile from ear to ear.
Did you know that this tiny, robust red fruit is not just a fruit but also a plant?
Botanically, the “fruit” of the strawberry is not a fruit at all. The fleshy, edible part of the plant is the enlarged receptacle of the flower. The visible “seeds” that dot the surface of the strawberry actually are achenes. An achene is a type of dry fruit borne by some plants in nature where the ripened ovary contains but a single seed.
David Trinklein, University of Missouri, Plant Science & Technology (2012)
Have you ever grown strawberries? Or observed them growing in a garden or field? These vine-like stems sprawl in all directions and lay low; hence, they are the “strewn” in strawberries.
Where Did They Come From?
By the 1300s, the strawberry was in cultivation in Europe when the French began transplanting the wood strawberry (Fragaria vesca) from the wilderness to the garden. At the end of the 1500s, the musky strawberry (Fragaria moschata) was also cultivated in European gardens. Then, in the 1600s, North America’s Virginia strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) reached Europe. The spread of this new, relatively hardy species was gradual, and it remained little appreciated until the end of the 1700s and early 1800s when it was popular in England. At that time, English gardeners worked to raise new varieties from seed, and they increased the number of varieties from three to nearly thirty.
Vern Grubinger, Vegetable and Berry Specialist, The University of Vermont
Strawberry is a member of the Rosaceae family, and its official name is Fragaria. Strawberries are native to North America. Native Americans used them in many dishes, and the first colonists shipped them back to Europe as early as 16001.
Versatile Little Treasures
Home gardens are an ideal environment for nurturing strawberries. They only require a little space, and they yield a fair amount.
You may want to purchase extra strawberries this week. Or better yet, share a few chocolate-covered strawberries with a special someone. These timeless treasures make the perfect Valentine’s gift.
I heard on the radio today that February 7-14 is National Marriage Week.
First, let’s give a shout-out to married folks! Hip, hip, hooray!
Another cheer for those who hope to marry someday! Hip, hip, hooray!
MARRIAGE
This week, we celebrate marriage. The timeless institution is a beacon of love, commitment, and companionship. Marriage is more than a legal contract or societal norm. It’s a sacred bond forged in sharing experiences, trials, and triumphs.
Marriage is a journey of…
Growth.
Compromise.
Unconditional Love.
THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE
It enriches the lives of both partners and communicates in the language of love. Love is the shared moments that speak volumes without a single word spoken.
The giggles.
The gestures.
The glances.
The long embrace.
The cuddles.
The dancing in the kitchen.
It is the “I have your back” confidence. The confidence that when it gets tough and life throws a curveball, there is someone to lean on.
RECENT RESEARCH
Marriage plays a significant role in determining a person’s overall happiness throughout their lifetime.
Brad Wilcox, Professor of Sociology, University of Virginia
Brad Cox’s research offers valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of marital bliss. His studies delve into the factors contributing to long-lasting happiness within relationships, highlighting:
Mutual Respect.
Communication.
Emotional Intimacy.
FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE ANOTHER PATH
Worth and happiness are not defined by marital status. Clearly, marriage makes sense to some and not to others. Each person’s journey is unique. Marriage may not be the right choice for everyone. Therefore, we must respect and honor the diversity of human relationships in all shapes and sizes.
CONCLUSION – LOVE IS LOVE
There is no doubt that love permeates through the air in February. Everywhere you go, you see hearts. Today, I saw raspberries in a clear plastic heart-shaped container at Target.
This week is the perfect opportunity to cherish the love you have in your life. Embrace love. Show affection. We all love someone. A parent. A child. A spouse. A friend. Go ahead and celebrate love this week with a simple gesture. Remember that love unites us together in the fabric of life. And the sacrament of marriage binds us to God and our partner for all the days of our lives.
I and Thou Reflections 
