Monday Memories

Happy Ground Hog Day to you!

Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular American custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. Tradition dictates that if a groundhog sees its shadow that day, there will be six more weeks of winter, though such a prediction seems a sure bet over much of the groundhog's North American range.

 So it looks like there will be another 6 weeks of winter. But that’s ok. Why? Because as the winter winds blow and it’s too cold for outside activities, this is the best time to create your Family Museum. And since today’s theme is Monday Memories, I would like to share with you our family’s museum “Honey Bear.” He is a close to a Ground Hog we can get.

Made in Korea by Daekor Designs DI I and distributed by the Hudson Bay Trading Co., Ltd., NY, our Honey Bear’s original name is “Pot Belly Bear.” He is 18” high from the tip of his fuzzy ear to the tip of his foot, with a 16” wide hug. I gave him to my husband and he would use Honey Bear as a pillow behind his head when he drove long distances. As time went on, Honey Bear was adorn with a band of cowrie shells and chocolate brown color ipil seeds taken off of an old Panama hat.  

According to African legend, if you are attracted to cowrie shells you could be family to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth. It also represents Goddess protection which is very powerful and connected with the strength of the ocean. Throughout Africa, and South and North America, the cowrie symbolized the power of destiny and prosperity. 

The Ipil seeds are used for many crafts in the Philippines and come from Acacia trees.

After our son Charlie was born, he received a Baby “Chicago Bears” Jacket. It did not fit him, so we put it on Honey Bear and to this very day, wears it proudly.

Honey Bear loves being in our Family Museum. We regard him as the museum guard watching over our family heirlooms. Do you have any Honey Bears in your museum?

 

Tuesday Post:  Tuesday Treasures