Womanica

Freyja is a Norse goddess of love, beauty, gold and fertility. She is the highest regarded goddess in the male-dominated Norse mythology.  Further Reading: Women of Myth Warriors, Witches, Women: Mythology’s Fiercest Females  Mythopedia - Freya  History Cooperative - Freyja: The Norse Goddess of Love This month, we're talking about Goddesses: mythical figures who have shaped culture, history, and...

Chalchiuhtlicue is the Nahua or Aztec goddess of fresh water. She is known as a kind goddess for her element’s life-giving properties, but can wreak destruction just as easily. She is most well known for her role in the Aztec world creation myth, serving as the fourth sun in the fourth age. Further Reading: Mythopedia: Chalchiuhtlicue  Aztec Mythology and the Origins of Humanity Fifth Sun: A New H...

Benzaiten is a Japanese goddess who brings good things to those who pray to her — love, good fortune, and healthy, beautiful children. She’s one the Seven Lucky Gods, deities whose origins lie in Hindu and Buddhist religious traditions.  Further Reading: Benzaiten (Benten): Japan’s Goddess of Reason | YABAI - The Modern, Vibrant Face of Japan Legend in Japanese Art Seven Lucky Gods – Mythopedia  ...

Artemis (known as Diana in Roman mythology) was the goddess of the hunt, nature and childbirth. The daughter of Zeus, she’s one of the twelve major gods in the Greek pantheon. She was known for her chastity and innocence, as well as her exacting rage, often borne out through the use of her bow and arrow.  For Further Reading: Mythopedia: Artemis Acting the She-Bear for Artemis   This month, we're...

Kali is the Hindu goddess of death, time, and doomsday. Although she is a symbol of extreme violence, she is also considered a maternal figure of motherly love. Kali is the embodiment of feminine energy and sexuality, a force to be reckoned with. For Further Reading: World History: Kali Ma Kalli Brooklyn Museum: Kali This month, we're talking about Goddesses: mythical figures who have shaped cultu...

Baba Yaga is a witch and one of the most famous figures from Slavic folklore. She is known for living in a magical hut with chicken legs in the forest, where she lures innocent children and often eats them. Often considered an evil and menacing woman, her story has recently been examined in a more empowering light. Further Reading: Warriors, Witches, Women: Mythology’s Fiercest Females by Kate Hod...

Oya is an orisha that holds a special place in the lore of Yoruba mythology. As the goddess of wind, lightning, and storms, she is associated with change, transformation and destruction. For Further Reading: Oya, The Yoruba Rain Goddess Oya in the Company of Saints Oya: Goddess of the Wind The Mythical Journey of Oya: An Exploration of African Mythology Oya - The African Goddess of Weather This mo...

White Buffalo Calf Woman is a Spirit-woman who appeared to the Lakota Sioux people and presented them with the Sacred Buffalo Calf Pipe and the Seven Sacred Rites. The story of this Native North American goddess has been passed down for generations. For Further Reading: The Story of White Buffalo Calf Woman, told by Tillie Black Bear The Story of White Buffalo Calf Woman and the Gift of the Pipe T...

Lilith is a demonic figure of Jewish folklore. According to Mesopotamian and Judaic mythology, she is theorized to be the first wife of Adam who was banished from the Garden of Eden for disobeying her husband. Her character transcended folklore to become a mainstay in popular culture as well as serving as a symbol for female independence.   Further Reading: Lilith - Jewish Women’s Archive  Lilith...

Guanyin was a Bodhisattva, a figure in Buddhism who reached true enlightenment and ascended to Nirvana. She is known for showing love, compassion, and mercy. This month, we're talking about Goddesses: mythical figures who have shaped culture, history, and imagination around the world. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wonderin...

Manman Brigitte is a venerated figure in the Haitian Vodou religion. Her fiery red hair and fair-skinned complexion hint at her Irish origins — historians believe she evolved from the Celtic goddess Brigid and the Catholic St. Brigid of Kildare. Today, she’s called upon by vodou practitioners for her healing powers, and she’s considered a protector of women against violence or unfaithful lovers. ...

Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity. Today, she is venerated during Diwali, the festival of lights. This month, we're talking about Goddesses: mythical figures who have shaped culture, history, and imagination around the world. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies...

In Irish-Celtic mythology, the Mórrigan is the goddess of war and fate. Among her many powers, her ability to shapeshift inspires bravery in her comrades and fear in her enemies. The Mórrigan is often depicted as a crow, a popular symbol of death for the Celtic people. She is most known for being able to foresee the future, especially in relation to death and victory on the battlefield. For Furthe...

Athena was one of the major deities of the Greek pantheon known as the Twelve Olympians. She is the goddess of wisdom, war, and craftwork. While she helped guide and provide counsel for many famous Greek heroes, she could also be wrathful and punishing.  For Further Reading: Women of Myth by Jenny Williamson and Genn McMenemy Greek Goddess Athena The Status of Women in Ancient Athens  This month,...

4 years into making Womanica with no end in sight, we thought we'd reintroduce ourselves. On Womanica, hosted by Jenny Kaplan we’re writing women back into history and building an audio archive! Every weekday, we’ll bring you the story of one woman, whose name you might not know, but definitely should.    Each episode is just five minutes long. You can climb Mt. Everest with the first woman to rea...

This special bonus episode is brought to you by Nike. For athletes to perform at their very best, they need support. That's where this week's Nike Trendsetter comes in. Tanya Hvizdak is Nike's VP, Global Women's Sports Marketing. All month, we're talking about Trendsetters: women whose vision, style, and willingness to break barriers changed culture — from what we wear to how we behave. History cl...

Sybil Connolly (1921-1998) designed dresses for Jackie Kennedy and put Irish fashion on the map. Her designs introduced traditional linens and tweed to an international audience, and shook up the fashion world.  For Further Reading: Sybil Connolly, 77, Irish Designer Who Dressed Jacqueline Kennedy The Mink and Diamonds of Irish Fashion Sybil Connolly Sybil Connolly - The Hunt Museum Fabric & F...

Edith Head (1897-1981) was a prolific costume designer during the Golden Age of Hollywood. During her five-decade-long career, she was nominated for 35 Academy Awards and won eight. She helped transform stars like Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and many more into the iconic characters they are remembered for today.  For Further Reading: “ Edith Head: The Fifty-Year...

Emily Post (c. 1870s - 1960) wrote one of the most popular books on etiquette. A novelist, columnist, and radio personality, Emily’s 1922 book Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and At Home was the pivot point that turned her into a superstar. As a teen, Emily was very popular in the elite New York debutante balls, and with her etiquette handbook her influence continued to have authori...

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890 - 1973) was a designer known for her eccentric fashions and surrealist collaborations with artist Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau. Her collections were famous for unconventional and artistic themes like the human body, insects, and for the use of bright colors like her "shocking pink". For further reading: 'Schiaparelli': The Shocking, Shadowed Life Of A Fashion Icon Shockin...

Elsa Maxwell (1881-163) was the original “hostess with the mostess.” Credited with the introduction of the scavenger hunt and the murder mystery party, she rose to prominence through sheer will and found her fame hosting parties for the rich and famous in Europe and New York City. She believed a true, original idea would make for a better party than even the finest dining and champagne. Further Re...

This special bonus episode is brought to you by Nike. Tania Flynn is Vice President of Apparel Design at Nike. That means she leads Nike’s product creation for men, women, kids, accessories, performance apparel and lifestyle performance. All month, we're talking about Trendsetters: women whose vision, style, and willingness to break barriers changed culture — from what we wear to how we behave. Ho...

Donyale Luna (1945 - 1979) was an internationally acclaimed Black supermodel. She was the first Black woman to be featured on the cover of any Vogue magazine and didn’t let the discrimination of the time restrict her. She redefined what high fashion meant and paved the way for many to come after her. For Further Reading: Remembering Donyale Luna, The First Woman Of Colour Ever To Appear On The Cov...

Rose Bertin (1747-1813) was one of the original celebrity fashion designers. Though she came from a humble background, she was integral in crafting Marie Antoinette’s excessively decadent style. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typ...

Hazel Bishop (1906-1998) was a chemist and entrepreneur who created Hazel Bishop Lipstick – famous for its unique formula that was guaranteed to last all day without smudging. After she was ousted from her own company by a business partner, she went on to create a second company, work in the financial sector, and become a professor of cosmetics marketing.  For Further Reading: Hazel Bishop, 92, an...