Oh Momma!

PART1

COMPARE &CONTRAST Essay Question#6c

INSTRUCTIONS: Find and post the images of the artwork(s) mentioned in
the Topic Essay Question.
QUESTION: Describe the similarities of and connections between the
cults of Earth goddess Gaia, the Virgin Mary and Devi, the Hindi
Mother goddess. Select representative artwork depicting each one and
describe the similarities in the imagery.
Summary: In my research I studied each individual goddess in their
entirety and each goddess’ characteristics.

Reason: Looking back at the reasoning for asking this question, I now

see similar qualities in each goddess as well as their differences.
The differences in each goddess and their similarities show in the art
work of the goddesses.

Purpose: The purpose of this question for me is to better understand
the similarities and differences in the art work pertaining to each
individual goddess.

Direction:  I feel that by studying this topic I better understand
what the artists behind the art work of the goddesses were thinking,
by the mood of the goddess and the persona that the art work was
trying to create. However I do feel at the same time that the
similarities to motherhood are quite apparent. Mankind’s need for the
feeling of nurture over nature is prominent, although nurturing is not
the only quality of the goddesses.  The wrath and vengeance of the
goddesses could, however be compared to the punishment of one’s
mother.

 

Impressions: it really interests me to see mans devotion to a mythical
woman that shares similar qualities to their mother or other women in
their life.  I almost feel it is a shame that humankind would rather
worship womanhood in the form of a goddess than respect women that do
exist in their lives.  However, I do find the qualities in goddess
worshiping to be a moral standing that helps mankind to better
appreciate the women in our lives.

PART 2
Gaia, also known as Gaea, was the Greek mother of creation.  She was
the creator of all heavenly gods. The Virgin Mary is the Christian
mother of the Christ child, and Dive is the Hindu earth mother.  All three of these goddesses share similar qualities. The representations of womanhood, the womb, and the birth of creation are all characteristics these women represent. For centuries the birth of creation was thought to be
caused by the earth mother  goddess throughout out the centuries we
see many different forms of the same goddess although there are small
differences in each goddess they all share this one wonderful aspect
of the creation of life.

 
Devi the Hindu mother “controls materials riches and fertility, she

has forms…of beauty, wealth and power.  As the embodiment of cosmic
energy, she provides the vital force to all male gods." (298 [text5])
The Virgin Mary, also known as the Madonna,  and Jesus’ earthly
mother, “was viewed as the powerful, ever-forgiving intercessor."
(245)[text 2]).  Gaia represents "The Earth personified as a goddess,
daughter of Chaos. She was the mother...The earth viewed as a vast
self-regulating organism"
(http://culturalsymbolism.wordpress.com/2011/09/13/gaia/).  Each of
these female forms all embody motherhood, birth, and creation.  Each
of these goddesses is viewed as the mother of divine purpose, creators
of all earthy things. All of these goddesses are forms of truth
beauty, and wisdom.  They are consolers and protectors whom in body
the protection of all mankind.

 
Mary is "also known as the seat of wisdom and many images of the

virgin and child" (245[text2]).  I noticed in my research that all
three goddesses are remarkably similar. The Greek goddess Gaia and the
Hindu goddess Devi all have art work of the goddess and their child.
However, Gaia has her two sons seated on her lap.  The similarities
are uncanny; each goddess has warmth about them that creates a sense
of comfort and calmness, a reassuring comfort that only a mother could
give. In my eyes all three goddesses are the seat of wisdom.Although the
Virgin Mary is a representation of the seat of Solomon (245[text2]) in my
eyes the representation on the mother or the goddess as the throne of her child
god or children gods is the symbol of heaven on earth personified, this throne
to me represents the wisdom only a mother could dote upon her child each of
these goddesses are holding their children in a warm tender embrace  There is
a caption describing the image of the Virgin Mary and Jesus as "the virgin and
child in a tender embrace" (512[text4]). This loving description of mother and
child can be used for any other mother goddess with her child gods. 

Devi and child not sure what centry or what the medium is but I think it is stone.

Devi and child image website

Gaia/ Gaea18th centry foutain

Gaia image website

Gaia and child website

Modonna and child

artist; Rogier Van der Weyden

Style: RNorthern Renaissance

image size: 316x500

not sure what style of painting this is

Modanna and child website