The purpose of the Flowering Party is to encourage the young girl not to be afraid of her menstrual cycle, but to embrace it as a natural phase her body experiences as a part of the reproductive system. The Flowering Party is a comforting moment of sharing and bonding between mother, daughter and other women who cherish and support the woman-to-be in her growth and maturity — a sacred circle of women who will always be available to her. In representing another opportunity for the young girl to better understand the biology of her body, the Flowering Party helps to build the girl's self-esteem and worth. Such awareness helps to cultivate more meaningful and mutually respectful relationships with boys. It may also assist in helping to curtail the national epidemic of teenage pregnancy by promoting abstinence as a method of birth control. What's most important to remember is that your daughter should not fear her flowering. This is why I had what I called a Flowering Party — a celebration of knowledge and support, rooted in her own personal sacred circle.
The Flowering Party is befitting for any young girl who is preparing to start her menses. It is an intimate time that mindfully nurtures and celebrates the femininity of the young girl as she enters womanhood — a flowering girl who is blossoming as the newest member of an ever-expanding circle of women. As mothers, we need to welcome our daughters into womanhood in celebration of their bodies.
"As mothers, we need to welcome our daughters into womanhood in celebration of their bodies." — Marlo Y. Ettien
As for hosting, the mother reaches out to the women who will make up her daughter's sacred circle — a group of women who know your daughter well, that she loves best. You share with the sacred circle what a Flowering Party is, and verify how many women will be present so you know how large a space you'll need. Because the Flowering Party is an intimate celebration, you'll want to have it at home. In preparation, you first discuss with your beautiful flower your intention. I can assure you, your daughter will be pleased.
You then discuss with your daughter her favorite foods, which you will prepare for the occasion. Normally, you would cook these foods yourself. For dessert, buy a cake with "Flowering Party" written on it. Because the Flowering Party is a special event, please use your best dishes and tablecloth to celebrate your daughter.
One of the most precious moments of the Flowering Party is the gift that you as the mother give. Offer your daughter a gift she will keep for a lifetime. The gift that I offered my daughter was a beautiful gold butterfly necklace to symbolize the change she would experience. It has been 17 years since my daughter's Flowering Party, and she is still wearing the necklace. The Flowering Party was so life-changing that my daughter and I celebrate the anniversary of her party each year. Other gifts I recommend include her favorite herbal teas, her favorite fragranced candles and lotions, greeting cards that capture the moment, and whatever else you would like to offer your blooming flower.
The way the Flowering Party proceeds: we all have small talk; then we bless the food and eat; afterwards we gather in a circle to have prayer; each woman says her own individual prayer with your daughter in mind; then your daughter stands in the center of the room to share her gifts. For the finale, the mother offers her gift last. If the father is in the young girl's life, his gift is offered before the mother's.
I pray that this article helps you prepare your daughter's Flowering Party. She will be very proud and will never forget the experience.