Urns for Mothers | Life in the Garden

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re going to look at cremation urns for mothers. And, in the process, I’d like to skirt gracefully around the edges of that oh-so-complex relationship we have with our mothers. It doesn’t seem to matter who you are – and what type of mother you had – the connection we have to ‘mom’ is a life-long one.

Types of Mothers
Psychologists argue there are different types of mothers. Some say there are five types: the perfectionist; the unpredictable mom, the mother who strives to be a child’s best friend; the self-centered “me-first” mom, and that ideal of motherhood, the “complete” mother. Others claim there are ten or fifteen different types of mothers. No matter the number – or the names given to them – there’s no denying our mothers pay a very part in preparing us for adulthood.

A Bit about Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world, albeit on different days of the year. In Afghanistan, as in other areas in the Middle East, it’s celebrated in March; in Luxemburg, the importance of motherhood is acknowledged in June. (Source: ChartsBin.com) Here in the United States (and dozens of other nations) it always falls on the second Sunday in May – this year; the date is May 12th.

Usually, families gather together to acknowledge and celebrate the mother who spent years raising us. We toast to her health and happiness, kiss her on the cheek, and we may even have arrived with a small gift. Or maybe we send flowers. But, when Mom is gone – as mine has been for the past 30 years – Mother’s Day isn’t the same. We struggle to find meaningful ways to do those things we always did: show mom how much we love and appreciate her presence in our lives. This Mother’s Day, it may be appropriate – and personally healing – to select the perfect cremation urn for mother. Let’s take a closer look.

Consider the charming Mom Urn Necklace. Made of durable stainless steel, it measures 1-1/4? L x 3/4? W x 1/4?; comes with a 22? chain and microfiber jewelry pouch.

The next two cremation urns for mothers include the image of a cardinal. If you’re not already aware, the cardinal is deeply symbolic. Many believe cardinals are messengers from someone who has died. Certainly, the male’s brilliant cardinal red color, and (to Christians) is symbolic of the blood of Christ, And red is symbolic of steadfast faith. (Source: shawanoleader.com.)

Cardinal on Dogwood Flower Urn

cardinal cremation urn for ashes — Cardinal Urn for Ashes

This full-size adult cardinal cremation urn is classically styled, and features the image of a cardinal sitting on the branch of a dogwood tree. Like the cardinal, the dogwood is also a symbol for Christians: “It is said that the wood of the dogwood tree is the hardest and that it was chosen to be used in the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.”(Source:hunker.com.) It’s a very popular urn and the reviews we’ve received are heartwarming. Just last month, Kayla wrote “The loss of my grandma was very sudden and we were not prepared for all of the decisions you have to make when someone leaves us. Urn Garden made one of the hardest decisions into one of the easiest. The urn is absolutely stunning. The engraving looks phenomenal and the quality is top notch for an incredibly affordable price. Thank you so much. She would have absolutely loved it.”

These same customers appreciate the Jeweled Cardinal Keepsake Urn. Beautifully detailed, this diminutive keepsake urn (it’s just 3” high) is a gorgeous tribute to mother.

small cardinal cremation urn for ashes — Small Cardinal Keepsake Urn for Ashes

If the symbolism of the Cardinal isn’t a ‘good fit” with the memories you hold of “Mom”, consider the Hummingbird Mini-Urn for Ashes. It’s a bit larger than the previous keepsake urn, measuring 5″ x 3-1/2″.

Hummingbirds are believed by many to o be messengers between deceased and the living. And in Native American cultures,hummingbirds are seen as healers and bringers of love, good luck and joy” (Source: wootandhammy.com.)

“And Now for Something Completely Different”

Ocean beach cremation urn for ashes — Siesta Key Ocean Beach Urn

Anyone who loves Monty Python will recognize that now-famous introductory line from Monty Python’s flying Circus. If your mom loved the ocean, then Siesta Key Beach Urn is the perfect full-sized cremation urn to honor her memory. It stands almost 11” high, and the colors are deep and rich. Like the earlier full-sized urn, this cremation urn can be engraved, personalizing your memorial.

One More Thing

Last year at this time, we published “Beauty from the Ashes: Urns for Mothers”. You may enjoy reading it, as it showcases different, yet equally as beautiful cremation urns for mothers.

My mother died 30 years ago. I have only 3 pictures of her, and my memories of her are very mixed. So, next time, I’d l like to explore the ways we can honor our deceased mothers on Mother’s Day while, at the same time, dealing with the emotions – love, grief, anger, loneliness – raised each year by holidays such as this.

vintage mothers day postcard

Every year, the month of May brings Mother’s Day and–whether you celebrate the day or not–its arrival is sure to stir up memories and emotions.

If you’re looking for a special quotation to “wow” Mom this Mother’s Day, take a look at Town and Country Magazine’s “21 Heartfelt Quotes That Go Beyond ‘Happy Mother’s Day”.

Throughout my childhood, I had a challenging relationship with my mother. The same can be said even today, almost 30 years after her death. While I know she loved me , there were many years when we didn’t speak at all.

While many of the 21 quotations there speak of a mother’s loving constancy; for me this one, from 19th century’s Cardinal Mermillod, gets to the heart of any relationship between mother and child, good or bad:

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”

It’s to this unique place in our hearts and minds held by our mothers I turn now, in a conversation about two of our most popular cremation urns for mothers.

This first, the Happy Hummingbird urn, is a timeless classic. It features the image of a hummingbird, happily sipping at a flower. It’s inspired by a neighbor’s beautiful Rose of Sharon; a gorgeous bush that attracts the hummingbirds late in the season as the tiny birds fuel up for the long journey back to warmer climates. We were able to get a decent photo that would translate the vibrant blue and green feathers of this magical creature to create a beautiful memorial.

Here’s a thought: if you’ve been following our series on planning a memorial or remembrance garden (which began with “DIY Memorials: Let’s Talk about Memorial Gardens” back in late February); maybe a Rose of Sharon bush might be the perfect addition to your memorial garden.

Another popular urn in our collection of urns for mothers is actually a stunning piece of cremation jewelry. The Golden Tree of Life Cremation Jewelry features an ancient symbol–the tree of life– widely accepted as representing “wisdom and strength” The pendant has an opening on the back to store a small amount of ashes as a keepsake.

Honor Your Relationship with Mother

As I said earlier, my mother died almost 30 years ago. Still, every Mother’s Day, I think of her – and take time to make a list of all the wonderful attributes she instilled in me. Why dwell on the negatives? If she were still alive, I’d like share this (albeit short) list with her:

1. You taught me to love the history and power of words.
2. You showed me how the act of writing can heal emotional wounds.
3. You shared your love of gardening with me – a gift I still enjoy.
4. Through contrasting behavior, you showed me how to be a compassionate, caring, attentive mother.

This Mother’s Day, why not write your own “gratitudes” list? If your mother is still alive, share it with her. If, as in my case, she’s no longer alive; simply speak the words aloud. In doing so, you acknowledge her gifts to you; and energize your on-going relationship with (the memories of) your mother.