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Who is Mother Nature? |
by Alli Rodenhauser (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
"Mother nature" is a non-religious term that stems from the concept of using a caring woman to represent nature's bounty and life. Because many ancient civilizations farmed, their survival depended on a good crop every year. They believed nature took care of them and helped them grow, just like a mother took care of her child.
Religions throughout history have often included a wise mother figure that can be called upon when asking for help with a harvest or fertility. While she may go by different names in different parts of the world, this woman is always kind and very powerful! Some different religions' mother figure include the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis, Hinduism's Parvati, the Celtic Danu, and Christianity's Mary.
The Story of Demeter
The Greek goddess Demeter is most often associated with being the "true" Mother Nature. According to myth, Demeter was the goddess of harvest and could control the Earth's seasons. One day her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped by the god of the underworld, Hades. Demeter was furious and refused to allow the Earth to be fertile while her daughter was missing. Zeus, the king of the gods, didn't want the Earth to be destroyed, and convinced Hades to return Persephone to her mother.
But Hades tricked everyone! While Persephone was with him she ate six pomegranate seeds, not knowing that, because she'd eaten the "food of the dead", she could now never leave the underworld. Zeus compromised with Hades, saying she should only have to stay one month for every seed she'd eaten.
So, for six months out of the year, Persephone lives in the underworld with Hades. During this time, Demeter is sad, the weather is terrible, and crops are unable to grow. But then for the other six months, when Persephone lives with her, Demeter allows flowers to bloom and harvests to prosper!
Religions throughout history have often included a wise mother figure that can be called upon when asking for help with a harvest or fertility. While she may go by different names in different parts of the world, this woman is always kind and very powerful! Some different religions' mother figure include the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis, Hinduism's Parvati, the Celtic Danu, and Christianity's Mary.
The Story of Demeter
The Greek goddess Demeter is most often associated with being the "true" Mother Nature. According to myth, Demeter was the goddess of harvest and could control the Earth's seasons. One day her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped by the god of the underworld, Hades. Demeter was furious and refused to allow the Earth to be fertile while her daughter was missing. Zeus, the king of the gods, didn't want the Earth to be destroyed, and convinced Hades to return Persephone to her mother.
But Hades tricked everyone! While Persephone was with him she ate six pomegranate seeds, not knowing that, because she'd eaten the "food of the dead", she could now never leave the underworld. Zeus compromised with Hades, saying she should only have to stay one month for every seed she'd eaten.
So, for six months out of the year, Persephone lives in the underworld with Hades. During this time, Demeter is sad, the weather is terrible, and crops are unable to grow. But then for the other six months, when Persephone lives with her, Demeter allows flowers to bloom and harvests to prosper!