Belly / Mother Blessing Celebrations
Pregnancy henna, in the way of Belly Henna, is a growing global trend in last decade or so, often as part of a Mother/Belly Blessing party – based on and inspired by the religious, spiritual and very sacred Navajo Blessingway ritual. Out of respect for the requests of the Navajo people, I refer to this newer adaptation of the sacred cultural as Belly/Mother Blessing celebrations:
“In 2004, Native feminists wrote to request that the term ‘Blessingway’ no longer be used to describe non-Navajo prenatal ceremonies such as the one described in this article. They explained that the term ‘Blessingway’ refers to a sacred spiritual ceremony performed by the Navajo people to celebrate rites of passage that occur throughout the entire life cycle, and not only the passage into motherhood. They suggested the term ‘Mother Blessing’ was a more appropriate term for a ceremony that was influenced, and respectful, of this tradition, but not practiced in accordance with the Navajo faith and culture. We completely agree.
Out of respect for the great history and importance of the Blessingway to Navajo people, many doulas, midwives and mothers now use the term ‘Mother Blessing’ to denote the celebration outlined in this article — a practice we have also adopted.”
Intended as a more spiritual alternative to the usual Baby Shower, a Belly Blessing is a celebration of the Mother-to-be and her transition into motherhood. Inviting only the most trusted friends of the Mother-to-be and focussing on the Mother-to-be, it serves as a reassuring, empowering experience that will provide support for Mother-to-be well into parenthood.
As the focus of the Belly Blessing is on the mother-to-be and not the baby, any gifts or intentions formed at these celebrations is less about new baby clothes, nappies and toys for the baby, and more about celebrating the miracle of pregnancy, embracing the changes in the body (through decorating the belly bump), the journey of becoming a mother, forming a physical and spiritual bond of friendship plus other support systems, for example setting up a food network (to ensure the new parents will have food each night by setting up a food delivery rota) or other practical friendly visits to help with regular family and household living.
As a henna artist, my role within such celebrations is to decorate ‘the bump’ with meaningful, intentional and safe natural henna body art. I consult with the mother-to-be about any previous skins conditions or reactions to henna, and also any pregnancy related sensitivities (smell, for example) to ensure that the henna recipe I use will be suitable for use on her skin. I take the time to ensure that any concerns over the safety of henna during pregnancy are answered with accurate information. If there are any noted sensitivities to my usual lavender oil or even to the stickiness of sugar on the skin, then I will mix up a custom batch of henna paste, specific to the mother’s needs and adapt my advised aftercare routine. It is also important to note any sensitivities of existing children within the family, as they will also be close to momma while her henna dries or when she is using her aftercare oils. Every care is taken to ensure the suitability of the henna and aftercare to mother and child.
