Symbolism of Today’s Holiday for Hypatia

Today’s holiday is something to be mightily celebrated. Why? Because this is a day of bowing to the juggernauts in both ancient and modern world.  Specifically, the female juggernauts who moved mountains to change minds and advance the human society.

Which brings me to Hypatia.  She was a Greek writer, philosopher, astrologist, mathematician…you name it…she seemed to have her finger on the page of whatever kind of wisdom required for the time.

In fact, she was the caretaker and curator for the educational institution of Alexandria.  This was a goldmine of knowledge, study and information.  Hypatia was the matron of this place, where she taught students, and preserved precious archives.

There is a sorrow that cloaks this day.  Hypatia was stoned to death around this time in March (estimation March 8-12).  She was accused of political meddling by a bunch of zealots.  It did not help matters that she was smart, savvy and way beyond her years in terms of insight and vision.

Nevertheless, Hypatia’s presence was overwhelmingly revolutionary.  She paved a way for so many students, women and scholars for tons of decades after her passing.

This is a great day to observe the following…

♦Embrace the beauty of a book

♦Recognize teachers and mentors in your life

♦Take a bow to those who have fought for the freedoms we experience today

♦Learn a new skill, consider a new profession, take on a new challenge

♦Dare to challenge the ‘status quo’, upset the apple-cart, and be a shining example of what it means to stand up for your passion.

To be sure, Hypatia was a rebel.  She stood for her beliefs, and she never backed down.  Regrettably, that resulted in her gruesome demise, but she cut a path for so many of us because of her unflinching will.

In a way, Hypatia was a hero.  So today’s holiday in history is a great day to celebrate your bold, brassy women and mentors that have made a difference in your lives.

As always, thanks for reading!

Brightly,

Avia