I was introduced to the best selling novel The Red Tent, written by Anita Diamant, about five years ago.   Although the main storyline was not primarily about the Red Tent, there was a definite emphasis on what seemed to be a lacking piece of history where women celebrated their first “Moon” and nurtured each other during their periods. In today’s world a woman's period is often shunned and looked upon as a burden. 

As a mom of two young girls, I was instantly inspired to recreate that piece of history and I determined to make sure that both my girls' first periods would be celebrated.  I wanted them to understand what the true meaning of being a woman really is and for them to have a positive outlook toward themselves as they welcome their bodies' changes.

I put together an old fabricated box and started collecting small treasures and items I knew would help ease cramps or provide age-old advice that I wanted to pass down to them.  I began telling my girls (only ages 3 & 5 at the time) they would be “Goddesses” some day, without going into detail of what that meant. I told everyone I knew who had daughters, granddaughters, and nieces about this spectacular idea.

Jump ahead 5 years … still no first periods in this house, but that of a friend's daughter.  My friend gave her daughter a Goddess Box because she wanted to “show her daughter how special she is” and took the “opportunity to let her little girl who is growing up know, that getting her period is something that we welcome and celebrate”. 

I cannot describe the excitement I experienced when my friend used my concept with her own daughter. I was even more thrilled for her daughter!  It was then that I knew I had to get the word out - telling people by word of mouth wasn’t enough.  I wanted every young girl to have a celebration of her own. 

So, it is with great pleasure that I introduce the …

Red Goddess Celebration Box™

(titled after reading the novel that inspired it all!).  It is my goal to help open the lines of communication between two women by putting the emphasis on the celebration and the box itself - not the silence.  My wish is that this Red Goddess Celebration Box™ be,not just a gift handed down, but a celebration in itself to keep the integrity and history alive as you help celebrate your daughter, goddaughter, granddaughter, niece or younger sister into their new phase of womanhood!  

With Warm Regards,
Marianne Impal

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Currently Marianne runs her Celebration Box business from the “Woods of Pennsylvania.” She also teaches yoga, her first passion. Marianne in no way claims to be a professional youth counselor. It is through practicing yoga, studying Shiatsu acupressure, body work experience in various modalities, and good old fashioned life experience with her two daughters that Marianne offers compassionate guidance for teens and parents.