I feel like I’ve had more people mention my Mother’s Day corsage this year than ever before, even while visiting with Moma today, the preacher mentioned it in his sermon. I didn’t think we were that far removed from the Southern tradition, but I think it might be a good time for a quick history lesson. I know corsages are going out of style, and the younger generation likes a flower bouquet for formal events, and I can’t even remember the last time I saw a corsage at a shower, but I hope we never let the Mother’s Day corsage tradition pass away. As a good Southern woman would say, “It’s not about you, it’s about honoring your mother.”
The exact origins of our tradition escape me, but I do recall that it was Kristin who spearheaded it all. Back in the day, she took the initiative to purchase corsages for Moma, Nanny, and Carol. If memory serves her right, it was around 1995 when this began. However, there were a few years when it stopped, and no one quite remembers when we picked up where we left off and when the kids got involved. Regardless, Kristin played a pivotal role in rallying the troops and enlisting the cousin crew to assist in the corsage deliveries.
As the cousin crew matured, their responsibilities evolved. They now ensure that each and every one of us has a corsage to tell our unique story. Jensen has taken up the mantle and serves as the driving force behind the scenes. From gathering the cousin crew to placing corsage orders, delivering them to the deserving Momas, and collecting the money, Jensen carries on this precious tradition with love and care. It may seem like a simple act, but its impact is immeasurable, adored, and deeply appreciated by all.
Now, for those who may be unfamiliar with our Southern customs, allow me to enlighten you. We Southern women, oh, we adore our traditions. And this particular one holds a special place in our hearts. You see, we proudly wear our Mother’s Day corsages as a means to convey the status of our mothers to the world. A woman whose mother has departed this world gracefully wears a white corsage, symbolizing the enduring love and reverence we hold for our dear departed mothers. On the other hand, those fortunate enough to still have their mothers by their side wear a vibrant red (or pink) corsage, an emblem of the joy, admiration, and gratitude we feel for these remarkable women who have shaped our lives. It’s a heartfelt gesture, irrespective of whether we are visiting with our moms at church or find ourselves physically separated from our beloved mothers. Through our corsages, we pay tribute to their lived experiences, their unwavering dedication, and the invaluable role they played in raising us with love and grace.
I hope we always continue to uphold this treasured tradition. Let us wear our corsages proudly, not only as an outward symbol but also as a testament to the eternal bonds that unite us with our mothers. May our corsages serve as a beacon of love, respect, and appreciation for the extraordinary lives our mothers have lived and the profound impact they have had on our own journeys. It’s a beautiful way to honor their memory and celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped us into who we are today.
