Happy National Old Maids Day! Every year on June 4, today recognizes any and all of the women who never marry and remain childless.
While the term may not seem to be flattering, less complimentary terms such as spinster, have been used to describe single, childless women for centuries.
However, the observance celebrates old maids everywhere and their contributions to their families and communities.
While they may be single, it does not mean they are solitary. Today, old maids are often career-oriented, postponing marriage, and motherhood by choice or by circumstance.
From a lively social life to a commitment to volunteerism as well as involvement in their church, community organizations and their extended family old maids are hardly wallflowers waiting to be asked to dance.
Beyond being active in their communities, these women often dedicate time to their extended family as well.
Often they may organize family reunions or are the keeper of family history. These women are the glue that keeps families, communities, and organizations running smoothly.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Celebrate the day by revising your definition of an "old maid" to one that describes an empowered, independent woman who embraces life.
Get together with a group of your friends and play an Old Maids card game or bake a tasty Old Maid’s Vinegar Pie or this delicious Old Maid Cake by visiting the websites below:
Wear the title with pride. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into being an old maid. The rewards do not have to lead to a lonely life.
Old Maids often collect great friendships along the way. Their travels sometimes take them to every corner of the world, too.
As you celebrate the day, share your experiences as an Old Maid. Or honor a friend or family member using #OldMaidsDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
In 1948, Marion Richards of Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania held the first Old Maid’s Day gathering.
According to a June 4, 1982, Asbury Park Press article, “Guests ranged from 75 years old down to an age when hope still flickered.”
Richards created the day to honor all the contributions old maids offer to their communities and their families.
During Richard’s generation, single women played a major role in many areas of the schools, churches, offices, and their families.
While June is full of floral bouquets, white lace, and wedding plans, Richards had hopes that Old Maid’s Day would someday be as popular as Mother’s Day.
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