How Ancient Egyptians Celebrated Motherhood?

By Ali Abu Dashish, Maydaa Abo El-Nadar

CAIRO, MAR.10 (SEE) - All peoples are celebrating the Women’s Day and lately, a special day was dedicated for the mothers to recognize their vital role.

The ancient Egyptian Mother received some honorary titles that show how society respects her, such as, Mut Nathr (the god’s mother) and Hamt Nsut (the king’s mother).

Regarding the ancient Egyptian traditions, the mother played an important role. She was the king’s gate to reach Egypt’s throne, bearing in mind that the king had to be a queen’s son.

The ancient Egyptian knew the importance of motherhood. This concept was depicted through several artistic aspects including statues and inside tombs. Inside the Modern Kingdom’s tombs, on many papyruses traditional texts, celebrating the mother’s feast, were encountered.

The ancient Egyptian mother’s feast was celebrated during the last months of the Nile’s flood when the land was fertile and ready for sowing seeds. According to the ancient Egyptian calendar, the feast took place in Hatur, also called Hathur (which means the house of Hur, depicting mother as the Nile that gives life).

Goddess Hathor enjoyed a special status. She was worshiped in many places and she was the symbol of motherhood and giving. Along with Isis and Kornet, Hathor's alternative goddess in ancient Greece is Aphrodite (Venus).

He also depicted the sky, goddess Nwt, as the mother that holds the sun, gives birth to it every day, and swallows it, every day.

Moving to ancient Egyptian literature, the woman was an essential life partner. The story of the Eloquent Villager showed how woman shared responsibility alongside with her husband. It also showed how she managed the house during her husband’s absence.

“I am going to the city to bring food for my children, the remaining wheat in the store shall be for you and for your kids,” says the husband to his wife.

Worth noting is that amongst the greatest queens that ruled Egypt were Cleopatra, Merneith, Khentkaus, Hatshepsut, Sobekneferu, Sert, and Ta.