Martie's Foyer
  • Home
    • Related Links
  • The Shoppe
    • Art
    • Books
    • General
  • The Sherry Fountain (Blog)
    • Blog Archives
  • Contact me
  • My Articles
  • My Poems
  • My Short Stories
  • Trend of events in SA
  • South Africa - photo tours
  • Course for Short Story Writing
  • The Boardroom
  • Coetzer and Coetser families, SA
  • Kaleshaan deur PJ Coetser
  • My Book Store

Why do we celebrate birthdays?

11/26/2017

34 Comments

 
“Happy birthday to you!” is not an empty cliche, but an honest wish that someone will experience only happiness on the day they commemorate the first day of their life. Our wish goes even deeper: We wish this special person won't have any troubles, just good luck that will last at least until their next birthday, at which time our best wishes can be renewed. 

We even give presents to our beloveds on their birthday, knowing that gifts are powerful instigators of joy and happiness. 

Delighting our relatives and friends on their birthdays and realizing their wishes are desires that are deeply rooted in our ability to love.

Since when do people celebrate birthdays?  ​

Like almost all modern customs, birthday celebrations have historical connections with superstitions, magic and Paganism. Initially only the birthdays of kings, queens and heroes were notable and celebrated. The noise - cheers of good wishes and singing – was necessary to scare evil spirits away, while the light of many candles caught the attention of the gods who were supposed to realize people’s wishes.  

In 1300 BCE birthday celebrations were banned by the Catholic Church. To sidestep the ban, the celebration of a "Name Day" became the norm – on the day when the birth of a particular saint was celebrated all persons with the same name as the saint were allowed to celebrate.

Exactly when the celebrations of birthdays squirmed out of organised religion is not clear. I believe Protestantism forced it out and people grabbed the opportunity to personalize it. Be that as it may, today we are free to celebrate birthdays in any way we want as long as we don’t violate the laws of our country.

Read more about traditional birthdays here... 

Today is the birthday of a very special lady

Some fifty odd years ago on November 27th Maria Helen Theresa was born to Henry Francis Couchara and Sammie Hinton Couchara. Loved and adored by her parents and older siblings, Maria grew into a refined, sophisticated and wise adult with an ardent love for music and dogs. In her world dogs were never only pets, but adorable children, as she and her husband had decided not to bring children into this world.      
 
After marrying Geoff Jordan she continued to pursue the success that was achievable in her nursing career. She specialized in psychiatric disorders and became the youngest Director of Nursing of a psychiatric hospital in the Philadelphia area.
 
In 1999 her life came to a standstill when she and a colleague were kept hostage for forty-six hours by a mentally ill member of her staff.

Surviving six gun shots - while her colleague died after a single shot - Maria rearranged her priorities and goals. Among others, she replaced her first priority of ‘being successful’ with ‘being grateful’.

Maria's perspectives on many issues, published in Hubpages, and her musings, published in Weebly, as well as several books and anthologies published in amazon.com, shed light on all the lessons she has learned while recovering from her physical and emotional wounds.

Do you believe in miracles? I once asked her. Her answer: 
“Without a shadow of a doubt, I believe in miracles. It is a miracle I am alive and life could not be more of a gift as a result.”
​As a writer Maria joined Hubpages six years ago under the nom de plume ‘marcoujor’. She distinguished herself as an author and editor of high caliber and a pillar of strength to many of her fellow-writers. She has a unique way of crawling deep into the hearts of everybody she meets. As a relative or friend, a nurse or a teacher, a writer or a speaker, she opens minds and hearts and inspires others to use their inner courage and strength productively. 

To me Maria is more than only an online friend. Thanks to modern technology she became my soul-sister, always with me in spirit, like the imaginary friend I have had in my childhood.

Happy birthday, dearest Maria! 

From the bottom of my heart I wish Maria happiness, prosperity, joy, and lasting good luck. I feel at liberty to wish this also on behalf of all her fellow-writers. 

Thank you so much, Mar, for being you ♥ 

​Maria’s first message to me 

Maria (marcoujor on HubPages) has sent you this message.

Hi Martie,

I've been thinking about you and wanted you to know I am always here if I can help with anything. I think we have much in common. I will be 50 in November and I think we are both amazingly resilient as survivors of our own stuff.

All my love & always here for you,

Maria (marcoujor is Maria Couchara Jordan by the way...)

What about posting Maria’s first message to YOU in the comment section?

Photos of Maria and her family

A song for Maria on her birthday

34 Comments
Mike
11/27/2017 06:07:27 pm

Happy birthday Maria - You have touched the hearts of so many. Enjoy your special day.

Reply
Martie link
11/27/2017 11:46:31 pm

Hi Mike,

Maria indeed touches hearts. An anthology with stories how she did it and still do would be interesting ♥

Reply
Maria link
11/28/2017 04:10:59 am

Aw Martie, listening to Dionne now... and I loved the rendition of Happy Birthday by those adorable monkies... You honor and humble me with this beautiful birthday tribute. Thank you my soul Sista!

Thanks, dear Mike - your birthday wishes mean the world.

Hugs to you both, Maria

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
11/27/2017 06:08:15 pm

Wowwww!!!! Bravo, Martie!!

You've presented Mar's history in sterling fashion and it was a thrill to read and the slideshow was the icing on the birthday cake!

Mar's a treasured gem to many, online and offline, human-kind and other animal-kind. When I think of how many lives she's had a hand in changing for the better, the line of folks easily stretches to the horizon. I'm honored to be one of them!

Love and hugs to you and Prof. Mahreer, and I pray our birthday girl is overflowing with good tidings and happiness on her special day!

Reply
Martie link
11/27/2017 11:55:31 pm

Angelia,

I agree wholeheartedly with you - Maria is a shining gem in our circle of friends.

And so are you ♥♥♥

Reply
Maria link
11/28/2017 04:13:25 am

Martie and Ange - your sentiments make me smile inside out.

Love you both and thank you, mar

Reply
William Holland link
11/27/2017 06:46:12 pm

I don't know about celebrating birthdays, but I love celebrating quality, loving human beings like Maria. This was lovely, Martie, and well-deserved. Love to you both!

Reply
Martie link
11/28/2017 12:00:32 am

Hi William

Quality is a word that describes Maria's personality perfectly. But keep in mind - it takes Quality to recognize Quality.

Reply
Maria link
11/28/2017 04:15:02 am

Aw thanks, Bill - I agree Martie did a lovely job on this tribute.

Love you both, Maria

Reply
Nellieanna Hay link
11/27/2017 08:17:27 pm

Dearest Maria! Happy 50th! It's a wonderful landmark -- or lifemark and can be among the happiest and most constructive of one's whole life!

You're one of my ideals of womanhood and kindness. I'll look for your first comment to me, which I know was pleasant. And I'm especially thankful for the way you took my beloved stepson, Michael, into your fold.

May this birthday begin a wonderful year for you, and many more to follow! Hugs and love! ~ Nellieanna

Reply
Martie link
11/28/2017 12:09:18 am

Dearest Nellieanna,

Thank you so much for coming to Maria's party. Your compliment to her touched my heart. She is indeed a role model when it comes to kindness, generosity and being a lady in all circumstances. She always treats others with respect regardless of their behavior. I have learned so much from her, and from YOU, my dear CM. ♥♥♥♥

Reply
Maria link
11/28/2017 04:19:27 am

Aw what a beautiful comment, dear Nellieanna. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This birthday actually makes me closer to the side of '60' as I turned 56 today. You are my role model of what I want to be 'if - LOL' I ever grow up!

Please give Michael my love. Love you and Martie too, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
11/27/2017 10:35:16 pm

Dearest Martie and Maria,

My two most precious friends in the cyberworld, I love you both so much! You were among the very first people that I got to know while I was on Hubpages, and I wish that I could go back to visit the very first messages from both of you, but unfortunately, I can't since I'm not on HP anylonger, therefore all those treasured, beautiful comments are lost, gone forever.
I'm grateful for this gift called Maria. She's a miracle, amazing, and I love her to bits and pieces.
Thank you for a wonderful post, Martie! Loved all the beautiful pictures of our beautiful friend.
Dearest Maria, wishing you a wonderful birthday and many more to follow.
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Martie link
11/28/2017 12:17:00 am

Auw, Sannel, how wonderful to see you! Can't imagine a party for Maria without you.

Joining Hubpages was one of the best things I have done in my life. I've met my kindred spirits in there, including you, and I am so happy we are still connected.

Lots of hugs to you ♥♥

Reply
Maria link
11/28/2017 04:24:18 am

And I love both of you, dear Sannel and Martie - thank you for those beautiful words.

I admit Martie's collage of pictures made me wish my parents, Alvin and Aunt Baby were here to celebrate with me. I know they threw a huge bash on my behalf in heaven though.

Sending you both hugs and my love across the miles, Maria

Reply
Vicki link
11/28/2017 04:34:23 am

Dear Mareer,

Hope you are now relaxing with your two adogable canines at your side, and the equally adorable Geoff waiting on you hand and foot. You are a very special friend, and I'm so thrilled to count myself as one to you.
Have a wonderful year ahead!
And Martie, many thanks for your lovely article on our friend.
Love and hugs to both of you,
Vicki

Reply
Maria link
11/28/2017 01:15:31 pm

Hi Vickster,

Although I worked yesterday, I had a lovely day - largely in part to dear friends such as you and Martie.

I had a heroine's welcome from A and Z when I got home and a delicious dinner made by Chef Geoff - what more can a gal ask for?!

Love you lots and hugs, mareer

Reply
Martie link
11/28/2017 03:57:13 pm

Dear Vicki,

Mar is the glue that keeps us all together. I don't know how she manages to be such a perfect friend.

Mar, your responses to all comments explain why we love you so much. I can just imagine what a delicious dinner you have had. My compliments to Chef Geoff. I think Andy and Zoey are the happiest Labradors in the world.

Hugs to you both ♥♥♥



Gail Sobotkin
11/28/2017 05:19:36 am

Dear Martie and Maria,
I enjoyed this post, especially the pictures, many of which I'd never seen before.
Martie, once again you have written a wonderful tribute to our dear friend. Thanks for warming my heart and bringing a smile to my face.
Maria, thanks for being such a wonderful, loving, kind, and generous friend. You are an amazing woman.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Love, Hugs and Blessings,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
11/28/2017 01:18:41 pm

Dear Gail,

Martie is a rascal as I had sent her a small photo book a few years ago. She is thoughtful, especially with including the shots of my cuddly canines - former and present.

Thanks for this sweet comment and your birthday wishes too.

Love to you and Fred,
Maria

Reply
Martie link
11/28/2017 04:13:47 pm

Gail,

So nice to see you! I had so much fun sharing Mar's photos with you. I know she will never post them in her blog, as she is inherently a very private lady. The one where she is standing on the beach wearing a swimsuit looks like a beautiful painting. Thanks for leaving such a beautiful comment.

Mar, how can I post a photo-album of you with no pictures of your canine kids? They are part of you, and we adore them just as much as we adore each other's children and grandchildren.

Much love to both of you ♥♥♥

Rasma Raisters link
11/28/2017 01:38:33 pm

A wonderful write, great song and a great big Happy Birthday to Maria.

Reply
Martie link
11/28/2017 04:20:29 pm

Hi, dear Rasma,

Good to see you! Help yourself to another sherry. Dinner will soon be served :))) Do you remember this song? This was one of the 1st five seven singles I have bought for myself in 1971 -

I know Mar will love it too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6aKLnzSFXc

Hugs,
Martie



Reply
Maria link
12/1/2017 03:57:58 am

Thanks, Rasma and Martie.

This song was a new one on me - very cool and so true!

Hoping you had a lovely birthday as well, dear Rasma.

Peg link
11/28/2017 07:35:59 pm

I loved this sweet and touching tribute to our mutual friend. The photos are terrific and the background on birthdays was quite interesting. Love and hugs to you both.

Reply
Martie link
11/29/2017 04:09:49 am

Hi Peg,

Every one of us has only one birthday in a year. I think this is one of the few fair things in this world. Lol! Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs and love to you too 🎶❤

Reply
Maria link
12/1/2017 04:00:10 am

Thanks, dear Peg and Martie - your friendship means the world to me.

Love and hugs back, mar

Reply
Cynthia Sageleaf link
12/1/2017 05:41:00 am

Martie! I came over here from Slack. I saw your blog come up in my radar earlier, but this was the first chance I got to comment. What a beautiful write up of Maria! I knew some of her story, but not to the extent that you outlined here. What a miracle friend we have! She's incredibly special and giving and yes, the word that comes to mind is "grateful." I have fur children, as well - no kiddos. I love that we have that in common. Reading about her ambitions and the amazing things she's done - well, you are a great friend to do such a beautiful write up! So nice to stop by over here! Nice to see you. I have written a bunch at HubPages but have gotten a new pen name. Haha. In any case, great read and have a great week!

Reply
Maria link
12/5/2017 01:44:51 pm

Dear Cynthia,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing even more things we have in common.
You will love Martie's blog - try to check more of this out as you have the time.
Love, peace and hugs, Maria

Reply
Martie link
12/8/2017 05:33:14 pm

Dear Cynthia,

How wonderful to see you again, and welcome in Weebly.

Maria is indeed a miracle. I am honoured to be on the receiving side of her love and affection. I don't want to promote this conviction of mine, as I happen to know an exception or three, but sharing it with you will do no harm: Fur children feed a person's source of love with love, while human kids seem to drain it. A child can never love a parent as much as a parent loves a child, while fur children love their human parents totally and completely. Love accumulates love, is a fact. Maria has decided to spend her accumulated love on her friends and relatives, and not on herself. This could become a topic for a future post.

I look forward to visit your blog!

Hugs,
Martie

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
12/5/2017 10:33:27 pm

Hi Martie...

Nothing more to say but we all love Maria. Such a pleasure to learn more of her as she celebrates a milestone. Beautiful words you have penned... Of course I already sent my best wishes but it never hurts to celebrate the day of another...

Hugs and Blessings

Reply
Maria link
12/7/2017 02:10:35 am

Dear Rolly,
You make every day feel like my birthday - Thanks for the visit and your very sweet remarks.
Love and hugs to you, Maria

Reply
Martie link
12/8/2017 05:43:23 pm

Dearest Maria,

Thank you for your lovely comments. You love and compassion warm our hearts!

Lots of love to you,

Martie

Martie link
12/8/2017 05:37:05 pm

Dear Rolly,

"We all love Maria" would be the perfect title of a song dedicated to Maria. She is one of a beautiful kind, and I am honoured to call her my sfam (sister from another mother).

Hugs to you, dear Rolly.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Subscribe to Martie's Sherry Fountain

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    ​Blogger
    Martie Coetser

    Want to give MartieCoetser's a tip of $1 or more? 
    1.Click on the  PayPal-button,
    2. Select the 'friends' or 'family' option,
    3. Issue/Send to mpmartie967@gmail.com 
    Picture
    Thank you!
    MartieCoetser is a proud member of the Virtual Busker Guild. Read more about this guild HERE...

    Virtual Busker Guild

    More About MartieCoetser

    Archives

    * Cape Town's-water-crisis-the-reality-of-climate-change-in-a-nutshell

    * The-powerful-leverage-of-the-minority

    * Addictive-hobbies

    * Do-we-really-know-each-other
     
    * Why-do-we-celebrate-birthdays

    * Do-we-really-know-each-other?

    * Ego-self-image-true-self-who-is-in-charge

    * Let-your-hair-down-in-dikhololo-game-reserve-south-africa

    ​* Infatuation - going-on-a-trip-with-natural-chemicals

    * Identify different kinds of love

    * Afrikaans-idioms-versus-English-equivalents-Letter-A

    * The-truth-is-only-an-interpretation

    * Rudeness-the-weak-mans-imitation-of-strength

    * Coping-with-reality

    * Why-does-parting-hurt-so-much
    ​
    * When-you-are-unqualified-but-compelled-to-perform

    * What-is-the-purpose-of-art

    * Distinguishing-between-being-lazy-and-being-smart

    * Why-keep-friends-after-they-have-moved-on

    *  May-anyone-complain-while-war-rages-in-syria
    ​

    * The-most-amazing-story-missing-relative-ferreted-out-after-31-years

    See more posts in my BLOG ARCHIVE




    ​
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.