This will be my first Mother’s Day without Granny. Time goes by so swiftly it seems like only yesterday she was here among us.
We’ve all missed her terribly as is to be expected. Going through her possessions has made me feel many emotions—from utter grief to blissful joy. I was so blessed to have such a mother!
In Appalachia there’s an old tradition of wearing flowers on Mother’s Day to correspond to whether your mother is living or deceased.
Although many churches in my area hand out flowers for mother’s day or have a special meal or program, not many people still observe the floral tradition.
Red or pink blooms signify a living mother, white flowers show remembrance for a mother who is no longer living.
Only a few women at church continue the tradition. I’m going to try to wear white for Granny tomorrow if I can find some white blooms here in the holler. I noticed Granny’s white rose was blooming earlier this week. Hopefully it still has a flower on it for me.
Last night’s video: Love Many & Trust Few – Arie 5.
Tipper
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I have worn a white rose on Mother’s Day every year since my mother died 24 years ago. But I am now 85 yrs. old and housebound with heart and kidney issues. I didn’t get to go to church Sunday and wear a rose. I still thought about mother who was so good to us children, but it wasn’t the only day that I think of her. Like you, when I do something she taught me or see things she liked I think of her. And that is often every day.
Thanks for the reminder. I had forgotten the tradition.
Happy Mother’s Day Tipper, Corie and Katie..
What a lovely tradition of wearing the flowers, I bet you and the girls will revive that tradition.
My heart goes out to You; praying for You. Really. And all I know is we hold each other in our hearts. I don’t know there’s any other words for it? YES, we want to reach out and touch. So hold on tight! and enjoy each other while we’re here. I ache for my Mom and Dad, but know there will be ONE FINE DAY to see them again! We’ll all be perfect! Isn’t that something! (and hard for me to believe about me, but it’s true!) All that really matters is our hearts toward God, and toward each other. To ALL of you out there~ Happy Mother’s Day!
Good evening Tipper and Acorns. I will be praying for everyone that has lost their Mama’s and sending hugs. My Mama passed away in 2018. I died in 2023 but I was sent back. Mama taught us the corsage of red or white flowers to wear to church when we were children. I have told it to my children. Remembrance is a lovely and comforting thing. I have a Praise, my daughter, Ann, and I have not been close since she was kidnapped by her Daddy when she was 9 1/2 yrs old. That is a long story. Yesterday and today, I received two books for Mother’s Day from her. One was Tipper and Jim’s Cookbook. I’ve been praying that we could be close like when she was little and this was so sweet of her. I just want folks to know as long as we have faith there is hope. I keep all of the folks here and up Wilson Holler in my prayers. I love y’all.
I don’t know how, but I probably post once or twice a month, and often when it comes up on the top of the screen it’s right after You! I’ve shared that Mom lost a baby, my little sister Barbara Ann, at birth on Mother’s day 1962. The night Mom passed, I could see in my mind’s eye Jesus holding Barbara Ann when Mom came HOME! It was so hard, EVERY Mother’s Day, even though Mom enjoyed the cards and flowers and a meal together, it was always running in the back of her mind. You could see it in her eyes. But not any longer! Mom and Barbara Ann and Dad with Jesus! Ohhh, Glory! Philippians 1:20-21
ms tipper my sister and i buried our daddy 2 days before my 40th birthday and our mama 2 weeks later…no matter how long theyve been gone home, i still miss them ,,,im 73 but that dont heal the heart with loss…soon 9 years ago i lost my husband…death is something that hurts no matter the years…God bless and happy mothers day
Happy mother’s Day Tipper, God bless you very much
Dear Tipper,
I will be thinking of you and all the mothers this Mother’s Day! It is sometimes a thankless job, but has we all know it’s probably one of the hardest jobs to do in life and the most rewarding. God bless every mom and people who gave their time mothering other children who may not have or could not have children. Just to let you know our church all the way up in Philadelphia PA always kept the tradition of wearing flowers on Mother’s Day. I don’t live there anymore but go back often to our church. I think of Granny and Miss Cindy often and was saddened to hear about Matt’s dad. God bless you and your entire family and I hope Sunday is a great day of precious memories. Warmly, Esme’
God bless you Esme
I hope you are able to wear the white rose–I think this is one tradition that should still be observed. How wonderful heaven must be….
just a side note–I have been in ER two different times this week but was not kept either time (never mind that blood tests showed my heart had changed and kidneys have dropped in their functioning the dr said ‘we cant admit you for an upset stomach’ nonstop vomiting of bile and dehydration afib and palpitations and shortness of breath sent me to ER–but since I did not have a heart attack I was sent home….I just read my results from yesterday and it said I had had an ‘infarction’ and I realized this time the dr did not say I had not had a heart attack….some small town hospitals are good some are not mine is not) prayers please but hopefully by the time you read this the pain nausea and vomiting will have subsided.
I can’t wait to see or hear where your sweet family took you for Mother’s Day I know where ever you go you will be happy and thrilled.
What a lovely tradition. I never heard of it. No matter how many years they’ve been gone, you never stop missing them. It’s been 19 years for me. Of course, we carry on as they would want and continue to cherish the memories. I will be looking for a white flower for tomorrow. Tipper, I’m hopeful you will find one. I wish you, Corie and Katie a Happy Mother’s day and to all Moms here.
I remember that flower tradition. All the ladies in our church wore the red or white flowers. At the end of the Sunday service the gave a gift to the youngest Mother and the oldest Mother. I was so honored to be the youngest in our congragation when I had my first son. I was 19. He just turned 58. I cried when I had to wear a white flower after Mama passed. I was 28 and it was difficult to realize I couldn’t make the phone calls, or visits or plan big family dinners with her. I was thankful for the time we had. But your heart has to get passed the “could haves” that never would be. Or the fact my 2 sons don’t have many memories of her. I miss your Mom too, and thank God and you that you shared her with us. It warmed our hearts.
I, too, grew up with the tradition of red and white flowers for Mother’s Day. No one seems to observe that tradition any more. It brings back sweet memories of my mother and Mother’s Day celebrations long past. Happy Mother’s Day to you, Tipper and to Katie and Corey. I hope you find a perfect bloom on Granny’s white rose bush.
Happy Mother’s Day, Tipper, Katie & Kori. Happy heavenly Mother’s Day Granny & Ms. Cindy..
I grew up with the red and white mother’s day flower tradition. I well remember all the ladies and girls at church wearing them. Not everyone still participates, but it is a sweet tradition. I miss the sanctuary being filled with pretty spring flowers.
I hope Granny’s white rose has a flower for you! That would be like a kiss from heaven.
My church used to observe Mother’s Day when I was a little girl with all the mom’s wearing corsages. My mama’s was always white and it never occured to me until your post today how she must have missed her mother. I hope tomorrow is a very special day for you, Tipper.
I didn’t grow up in Appalachia, but I certainly remember myself and my brother wearing red roses on Mother’s day. Im pretty sure that I can remember my daddy wearing a white flower for his mom. Hadn’t thought about that in quite a while. Youre right, you dont see it so much anymore.
My mother made crepe paper roses in red and white for our family and anyone else who wanted one.
Ed, my mother made crepe paper flowers for Decoration Day at church. I wish I knew how she made them.
Precious memories how they linger… An especially Happy Mother’s Day to Tipper, a lady that I truly admire and enjoy reading whatever she writes over the years. I know you miss Granny. Oh how I do know. Finally, prayers lifted to Heaven for your precious daughter who is mysteriously losing weight recently. May our Lord lay His hand of healing on her. Blessings to all everywhere in this beloved country, but most especially here in Appalachia! Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers, young and old…Kristine on Windy Ridge
That is a beautiful tradition. Happy Mother’s Day.
That’s such a nice tradition. I hope Granny’s white rose is still blooming. Please let us know
Tipper I’m going to attempt to honor my momma today. So here I go. This is for Frances Katherine, my momma:
R-Richly knowledgeable
O-Outstanding in all she does
S-Superb cooker
E-Everything to me
France’s Katherine, resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you momma.
Your “attempt” was beautiful. I’m sure Frances is proud.
This tradition was observed in my church growing up but sadly, it no longer continues. I hope you find a rose from Granny’s bush.
Churches here in my corner of the world also give out flowers on Mother’s Day, but they would be all colors. I’ve never heard of the tradition of wearing a white flower if your mama was passed on. I like that. How special that would be to find one of Granny’s roses still blooming for you to wear tomorrow, Tipper. Happy Mother’s Day to you, Katie and Cori for tomorrow.
Yes I remember the days when wearing the flowers for our mothers. My mother has been gone 25 years. I loved seeing your mom because she reminded me of mine. I’m 91 and haven’t seen the tradition of the red and white flowers for years. It was a good one.
I enjoy your blog very much.
Happy Mothers Day
Morning everyone. I don’t remember giving roses or wearing them. My dad grew roses so there always was one to pick. He grew mainly red ones almost black. I was the family baker so I baked her a cake and cooked dinner. My sister and brother gave her something they bought. I do remember her telling me that when she was growing up in Romania, people attached flowers to the back of the chair of the mother. Kind of like a flowery throne for a queen. It’s funny, roses are my dad. When we bought this house, red roses were planted out front in remembrance of him. I do like your tradition better. Tipper, have a wonderful Mother’s Day. Anna from Arkansas.
My first one to Tipper mom passed on march 6 which was my birthday and I know granny’s too. Mom’s favorite flower was a gardenia I wish I could find one to wear. It will be a different day for both of us. Comfort to you.
Happy Mother’s Day to all you Mothers and God bless you! Oh how I loved my Mother, she was the Queen of cooking and the most wonderful Mother. I still miss her sooo very much and as I go to church tomorrow morning I will be wearing a necklace she gave me.
Mother’s Day has always been bittersweet since my mama passed. It’s been 5 yrs and there are always those “firsts” that we still live through without her. I did not know of this tradition and find it quite heart warming. I will search for a white flower too!
We always observed that same tradition here in North Georgia. I still have both my Mama and step Mama. I’ve been blessed with two.
I hope you can find one for your Mama. Happy Mother’s Day Tipper. You are a fantastic Mama as well.
Wearing a white rose from her garden would be especially memorable. Remember she is always with you.
Today is my mommy’s birthday, which occasionally falls on Mother’s Day. When she was here with us, I didn’t honor her nearly as much as I would now that my once-busy lifestyle has changed, kind of like the CW McCall hit, Roses for Mama. Every time I hear that song, I become an emotional mess, bawling my eyes out for hours. None of the churches I have attended followed the tradition of wearing flowers on Mother’s Day, but a few of the preachers gave potted plants to all the mommas in attendance. Tipper, I hope you find a white rose to wear tomorrow.
The photo you posted of your white roses is beautiful. You are a good photographer. I will be saying an extra prayer for you, Tipper, and for all who cannot celebrate with their mothers tomorrow. Our church passes out a long stem rose or carnation to mothers on Mother’s Day each year. Then the men of the church cook breakfast for all the women. I am thankful to still have my mama at age 84 and my mother-in-law at age 90. We will be visiting them both and taking them cards and gifts tomorrow. I celebrate my beautiful daughter and daughter-in-law tomorrow and every day, as well. They are each wonderful mamas to three children and are loved dearly. I am very blessed.
We wore the red or white flower on Mother’s Day growing up. The church also recognized the oldest mother present and the one with the most children present. Of course, in our small congregation the same senior mom was honored every Mother’s Day until she died.
((((( Tipper )))))
Come now, let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
So very sorry for your loss Tipper!
Thankfully your Mama is with the the Lord and your Papa ! You have been blessed with wonderful parents, such a blessing! I still miss my Mother after all these many years and still remember her phone number that I called every day
The Mother’s Day tradition of wearing a white flower for a mother who had passed away and a red flower for a mother who was living was certainly a tradition in Kentucky as far back as I can remember and I am 80. I think it was largely a southern tradition. We made paper corsages for moms when I was in elementary school and paper flower May Day baskets to give to an elderly neighbor. I’m glad I grew up in such a time and feel sorry for those who’ve had to grow up in such a pressure cooker world.
I vaguely remember the tradition of the white rose. Thank you for bringing it back into my memory. I hope you can find a beautiful white rose on Granny’s bush to honor her on Sunday. She was a very special, dear lady who touched so many lives of thousands who never had the great honor of knowing her personally (like me). Happy Mother’s Day to you & all!
I can relate to your emotions of going through your parents home after they are gone. The flower tradition was apart of my childhood too at our church. Sadly, it has been forgotten. I’ve taken flowers to an old family grave yard this morning where many generations of my dad’s people are buried. In the far corner there is a slave grave. My grandmother showed me the grave when I was a child and it was there when she was a child. She would always give me a few flowers from her arrangements made for family graves and send me to put on that lonely grave off by itself. I put some yellow roses on it this morning from my yard. I’ll keep doing it as long as I’m able to
MOTHER IS THE DEAREST WORD WE KNOW
Living for your family
Giving hope and comfort too
And loving us with all your heart
No matter what we do
Staying close beside us
Every step along the way
Is why the name of Mother
Means so much to us each day.
Tipper, I will be thinking of you as you get through your first Mother’s Day without sweet Granny. I pray you can find a beautiful white rose to wear in memory of her. Happy early Mother’s Day to all the moms here. I pray you all have a blessed day.
Hi Tipper, we always did this I remember year Grandma died and Mom started wearing the white flower and how sad she was. decoration day at Pleasant Hill or some call it River Hill cemetery was on mother’s Day. then all the family would go to Hiwassee Dam for a picnic. Such a happy/sad memories. Happy Mom’s Day to all the Mothers. God bless y’all
I hope you find a white flower to wear.
what a beautiful tradition! I don’t have any white flowers in my yard or I would wear one to church also. God bless you and your family
I remember when I was younger wearing flowers for Mother’s Day, but never knew or recall anyone telling me any color for living mothers and only white flowers for mothers who had passed on. Then I don’t recall wearing white flowers, just ones that coordinated with my dress at that time. Since moving to my neck of the woods in NC back in 1986 I haven’t wore a flower on Mother’s Day or really any holiday because mainly there were none sold in the area stores like they had in WV, and no other women in the churches I had attended never wore them. After my mother passed I just started wearing a brochure or ring my mom had given me while she was living to honor her on Mother’s Day and really every holiday. This Mother’s Day I’ll wear my mom’s ring and a brochure that belong to my mother in-law since she passed in February of this year to honor her memory. I miss them both very much.
Her children arise up,and call her blessed;;her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:28
I always thought Proverbs 31:10-31 was the perfect description of my wife and mother (verse 28) to our children and grandchildren. My mother, mother in law and both mine and my wife’s grandmothers would fit right in.
I love the tradition and hope you can find one of her roses. Happy Mother’s Day, Tipper!
That is a beautiful tradition. Whether in memory or here present, happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers. I hope you can find your white rose for Granny. ❤️
I remember doing this as a child. Seems like the tradition has just faded away. We don’t seem to appreciate family and traditions any longer and that is unfortunate.
Tipper,
Here in southeastern Tennessee near the foothills, my family honored our mother’s the same way you described.
I can remember Mama lining us kids up an pinning a red rose on our Sunday School clothes.
My mama is gone now and like you, I can’t find any white roses. But I remember the sweet tradition.
Happy Mother’s Day,
Carolyn Ritchey
I know what you mean about the emotions of going through Granny’s things. I know many of them are family mementos of gifts through the years. We discovered a drawer full of cards at Mom’s when we were doing probate inventory. I just looked at a few and closed the drawer.
Randy, thank for the prayers! I go back at night to read comments as I go to work after I read the blog. B’s mamaw said B received the card and gift and to thank you from the bottom of their hearts. You are so kind! I’ll be praying for you as I know this weekend (and each day without your loved ones)is hard on your heart! I look forward to seeing your comments, daily. You touch my heart! Many blessings!
Debbie, thank you for your kind words. I have already prayed for B this morning and many of the other members. Now for a little humor, if I read this correctly, you are work the graveyard/night shift, I worked a 7 day rotation shift job for over 20 years, I didn’t know I could feel as bad as I did and still live when I worked those 7 nights each month on the graveyard shift. I never did learn to sleep in the daytime. I will say a special prayer for you.
It is very rare now to see women wear flowers. In fact, the stores used to have stacks of plastic containers with the premade flowers. I don’t think I saw any yesterday when I was out. Typically it was some type of orchid in the boxes. I didn’t realize there was a significance in the color.
While I was roaming about the store seeing all the mother’s day gifts a great sadness fell over me. We had the most precious little momma a body could ask for. She was the most giving person I ever knew. If she didn’t have money she gave of her time. Always cooking for someone in need or times of grief. I’ve watched her do so many things for others, total strangers. She truly believed in the scripture ‘do unto the least of these you’ve done unto me’ and ‘entertaining angels unaware’. She was such a good example of kindness. I miss her every single day.
Many blessings to all y’all and Happy Mother’s Day to all you momma’s and to you men too that fill in for mommas.
Debbie, I would like to add foster mothers to the list of mommas. I think of my niece that is unable to have children of her own, she and her husband foster teenage children that others don’t want because of their age and problems some have. Several had begged them to adopt them. I also think of the mothers that adopt children. I think these mothers are special.
Sure hope u can find a white rose on your mother’s rose bush
Years ago, this was also a tradition at my church. Back then I was able to wear a red rose bloom from one of the rose bushes in our yard. Since January 20, 2011 it would now be white. I intend to visit two cemeteries tomorrow, my mother and maternal grandmother are buried at one while my wife, daughter, mother in law, and my wife’ paternal grandmother are buried in the other one. If you still have your mothers and grandmothers, please make it a priority in your life to spend time with them. The time may or will come when you will no longer be able to do this.
I agree! Time marches quickly and is but a vapor. Love your people fiercely and hold them tightly! No promises of tomorrow. We only have memories now. Many blessings