The celebration of mothers and mother figures has come to be seen as a holiday built on commercialization, but it has roots in cultures around the world that can be traced back hundreds, if not thousands of years, to societies that were matriarchal and/or held women on equal footing as men. Many of these societies had their own form of the Mother Goddess, figures that represent and/or personify nature, motherhood, fertility, creation, destruction and who embody the bounty of the Earth.
Though many western religions have done away with or downplayed their Mother Goddess figures, they are still integral parts of religions and cultures originating in other parts of the world; many of these figure's legends, lore and symbolisms have traveled throughout the world, capturing interest wherever they go. These mother figures honor the goddess energy embedded within all women and, as you learn about them, you'll likely recognize some of their traits within yourself. In them, you may even be able to see your own mother. Read more.
Retablos (also known as láminas) are small oil paintings inspired by traditional Catholic church art depicting Christ, the Virgin Mother, and revered Saints brought to life on tin, wood and occasionally copper. The practice of creating retablos began in Spain hundreds of years ago, and then traveled to the Americas and into Mexico where it was adopted and evolved into an important form of folk art. Retablo were often displayed in homes of devout believers to honor their Patron Saints and were invoked to aid and remedy any number of situations.