For aging parents, especially, a daughter maintains a level of connectivity and commitment that keeps families together and healthy.
(Of course, that’s not to say that sons don’t do their part as well. But today, we’re talking exclusively about daughters!)
“𝐴 𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑜𝑛 ’𝑡𝑖𝑙 ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑎 𝑤𝑖𝑓𝑒; 𝑎 𝑑𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒.”. — Irish proverb
HISTORY
The original meaning behind this day may have blossomed in India.
Per the Hindustan Times: “Unlike other countries in the world, there has always been a certain stigma attached to being a girl child in India, and while this may no longer be the case in the big cities, it is still quite widespread in India.
When a woman gives birth to a girl she is penalized.” While developing countries often see daughters as a burden, other nations celebrate.
We might also view this day in the context of the #metoo movement — especially in the United States — where women have faced daunting obstacles throughout history.
From the very beginning, society viewed women as inferior to men. “The law did not recognize wives’ independence in economic, political, or civic matters in Anglo-American society of the eighteenth century.”
Male privilege dominated at the time. Women did not receive the right to vote until 1920.
Up until the 1960s, wives typically stayed at home while husbands worked. In many ways, the United States is still shaking off the dust of gender discrimination.
HOW TO OBSERVE
The Father-Daughter Dance: It’s a big event in many communities. On National Daughter Day, both fathers and daughters strut their best stuff on the dance floor after a delicious dinner in a main hall.
If your town has no Father-Daughter Dance, consider putting one on with a local community group. An event like this will always be a golden memory.
Read about admired daughters: National Daughters Day is a wonderful time to review beloved stories.
These include Little Women (1868) and The Diary of Anne Frank (1947), a book which gives us a chance to read the thoughts and dreams of a daughter who faced unthinkable circumstances.
Let her take the lead: Since National Daughters Day is all about how great our daughters are, consider letting yours tell you what she wants to do today.
Spa day? Sounds good. Bicycling in the park? Very nice. But if your daughter just wants to have a pajama party and hang with her girlfriends, let that be her choice. It’s her day!
What’s the difference between National Daughters Day and National Son and Daughter Day?
We might view this in the context of the #metoo movement — especially in the United States. Women have faced daunting obstacles throughout American history. From the very beginning, society viewed women as inferior to men.
“The law did not recognize wives’ independence in economic, political, or civic matters in Anglo-American society of the eighteenth century.” Male privilege dominated at the time. This is a much-needed time to focus on girls alone.
With so much emphasis historically placed on the importance of sons (especially in the area of inheritance), the status of having a daughter has often been diminished.
In royalty, lines of succession have always flowed from father to son. This tradition still stands with today’s British Royal Family.
(And who knows, maybe that should change, giving the women a chance. We think royal sons and daughters should work it out on the soccer field. Then, its winner takes all— including the crown!)
Now that you’re feeling all warm inside, check out this video from September 18, 2019 showing how one daughter lit up her dad’s life — and then broke his heart — all within seven seconds:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2LG1yHiXhM
Five Celebrated Books and Movies About Daughters
1868 • Little Women
American novelist, short story writer and poetically Louisa May Alcott's 1868 coming-of-age/comedy fiction novel Little Women became an immediate hit upon publication in two volumes.
The story about a mother raising daughters on her own during the Civil War was based off of Alcott's own household where she was one of four sisters.
The novel was first adapted into the titular 1933 American black and white pre-Code drama/romance film made by George Cukor ('Camille', 'The Philadelphia Story', 'Gaslight', 'Adam's Rib', 'A Star Is Born', 'My Fair Lady').
The novel's second adaptation was for the 1949 American black and white drama/romance film made by Mervyn LeRoy ('Little Caesar', 'I Am A Fugitive from a Chain Gang', 'Gold Diggers of 1933').
It's third adaptation was for the 1994 American family drama film by Australian feature film and documentary director Gillian Armstrong ('My Brilliant Career'), who specializes in period drama.
The fourth adaptation was for the 2018 American drama film. However, it failed to meet the favor of critics as opposed to its first three predecessors.
It's fifth adaptation is for the 2019 American coming-of-age period romance/drama film. It was directed by American actress, screenwriter and film director Greta Gerwig ('Lady Bird').
1957 • Gypsy: A Memoir
This book recounts Gypsy Rose Lee's years touring as a theatre act with her little sister, June. It eventually spawned a hit 1959 Broadway musical.
Three years later, it became a big budget feature. The book had now been adapted from stage to screen with the 1962 American musical drama/comedy-drama film 'Gypsy', starring Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood. The film was directed by LeRoy.
1978 • Mommie Dearest
On the surface, everything seems fine, but the harrowing biographical book written by Joan Crawford's adopted daughter, Christina, reveals a horrific childhood, complete with temper tantrums and violence.
Three years later, the book turned into the titular 1981 American biographical docudrama cult film that may have cost lead actress, Faye Dunaway, the best years of her career.
This was probably due to having no wire hangers...ever.
1989 • Como Agua para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate)
Mexican novelist, screenwriter and a politician Laura Esquivel's groundbreaking debut romance/tragedy fiction novel tackles the Mexican tradition of banning the youngest daughter from marrying until after her mother passes.
Three years later, the book became the titular 1992 Mexican drama/romance film.
1993 • The Joy Luck Club
San Francisco-based American writer Amy Tan scores a bestseller with her 1989 domestic fiction novel about growing up among a group of immigrant mothers with American-born daughters and the struggles they all go through to strengthen their bonds.
Four years later, Tan co-wrote the screenplay and co-produced the eponymous 1993 American adaptation/drama film. It was directed by Hong Kong–born American film director Wayne Wang ('Smoke').
Five Prime Examples of What It Means to Have Good Genes
1. Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli produced Liza with a "Z"
Liza Minnelli has "chops" like her famous mother, but her Oscar win for her role as Sally Bowles in Bob Fosse's ('All That Jazz') 1972 American musical drama/melodrama film 'Cabaret' proved she's a force all her own.
2. Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh created a "Scream Queen"
Some of us have never recovered after seeing Jamie Lee Curtis in her film debut as Illinois high school student Laurie Strode being stalked by Michael Myers in John Carpenter's ('The Thing') 1978 American mystery/slasher horror film 'Halloween'.
However, for lighter fare, check out Curtis in the 2003 American fantasy/teen comedy film 'Freaky Friday', where she exchanges bodies with her thirteen-year-old daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan).
3. Minnie Riperton really hit the "high note" with daughter Maya
Maya Rudolph, the daughter of African-American singer-songwriter Minnie Riperton, started cracking us up when she joined SNL in May 2000. And she hasn't let up yet!
4. We have Sir Paul and Linda McCartney to thank for Stella
The fashion designer to the stars seems like royalty thanks to her Beatle pedigree.
5. And since we're talking royalty, let's throw in the "Queen Mum's" daughter
Breaking the traditional line of royal succession ain't easy for girls, but that's just what happened when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned after the death of her father, George VI.
Why We Love National Daughters Day
A. A daughter gets positive reinforcement
Your daughter may do more than you know. In single-parent homes, a daughter may keep the family functioning when mom or dad (or even grandma or grandpa) is at work.
Lots of daughters cook, clean, and help their siblings with homework. So, this is your chance to acknowledge how helpful your daughter is with dinner and a movie, or a beach trip for her and her crew.
B. Mother-daughter love is real
Don't believe the hype that mothers and daughters don't get along. This myth goes along the lines that mothers and daughters are naturally competitive, or that mothers and daughters argue because they're too much alike.
Many mothers and daughters can't live without each other and use National Daughters Day as an excuse to hang out with your favorite girl, no matter how old she is.
If there happens to be a little strife, this day is a great opportunity to work things out.
C. Your daughter may share her dreams with you
This is the day when your daughter may give you a glimpse into how she sees her future. If you listen closely, you may find out what an intelligent, empathetic, independent, level-headed daughter you really raised!
How will you celebrate your daughter(s) today?
DATES
September 25, 2021
September 25, 2022
September 25, 2023
#NationalDaughtersDay
#metoo
@nichecinema
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