Image of Houdini’s Mother Cecilia courtesy of Harry Ransom Center
H A P P Y M O T H E R ‘ S D A Y !
Perhaps most bizarrely, but unsurprisingly, Houdini became a proselytizer for the Mother’s Day holiday, which was formally established in 1914. Following tradition, he sent red carnations to all of the living mothers he knew and white carnations for the graves of mothers who had gone. Presumably, his mother’s grave overflowed with the white flower.
The above is a snippet from the following bio that has a lot of interesting information on Houdini and his mother.
Enjoy and don’t forget to wish all the Mom’s you know a Happy Mother’s Day!
Bizarre behavior is part of what makes Harry interesting. The man was fascinated by cemeteries. Having lost my mother 6 years ago to cancer, this is a holiday I shy away from.
After my loss, I would repeatedly read the chapter in the Silverman bio on Houdini’s loss to find some alleviation for the pain.
That’s understandable. Just read that chapter.
Several cable television channels are having a Mother’s Day special:
1. Psycho
2. Rosemary’s Baby
3. Mommie Dearest