Since
time immemorial, women have been the recipients of congratulatory
messages upon childbirth. The idea is that, the woman carried the baby for nine
months and went through the terrible life-and-death ordeal of bringing a new
life into the world. Women are also known to be more caring than men. Therefore
if any appreciation is due, it must go to the woman.
Recently,
"Blessed is the fruit of thy womb" is becoming popular among
Christians who wish to congratulate an expectant mother or women in general.
This expression comes from Angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary when the former was
sent by God to the latter. Mary was to be the human mother and carrier of the
Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. The father was not going to be Joseph, her betrothed,
but rather, God. Therefore, Joseph the Carpenter had no hand - or testicles -
in the conception of Jesus Christ. Hence, "Blessed is the fruit of thy
womb" as greeting to Mary was reasonable.
However,
before and after Jesus, men have always contributed the other half of what will
become a human being later. But interestingly, men are not congratulated for
their immense contribution. I'm sure that if Joseph had been involved in the
making of Jesus Christ, the greetings would have come differently to include
and appreciate his effort. I'm sure men would be proud to say, "Blessed is
the seed of my testicles!" as women proudly proclaim blessings on their
wombs.
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