English Version | Editor's Letter: Mother Nature

Mother-Nature, the association between motherhood and that which is the source of life and all natural resources. Fertility and creative power unite the image of the Mother with the concept of Nature. This connection is ancient and gave rise to myths and legends that have structured cultures around the world since forever. The cult of the feminine and its creative power dates back to the Paleolithic, at least 2.5 million years old. Nature is ancestrally associated with women, in a celebration of fertility: both are capable of generating life. In Greek mythology, the Earth is considered a female goddess, Gaia, generator of all gods and all natural things. In the Roman world, Terra Mater was the goddess venerated as a deity who personified the strength and vitality of the Earth.

Mother Nature issue, cover 01 of 03.
Élio Nogueira

In the eyes of a child, the mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or full of wrath, but she commands love anyway, for better or for worse, in presence or absence, the way any human being directs the story of his or her own life. I believe that this is one of the greatest powers in the universe, the first, and most primary, contact with Love for each of us.

Mother Nature issue, cover 02 of 03.
Alessio Albi

There are no perfect mothers. We are not born mothers; we evolved into this role. Every day can be a learning experience with victories and mistakes. When we seek perfection, which is often preconceived, we can miss moments of growth. Making mistakes doesn't lessen our love for our children — instead, it shows them that we are human and that we grow and learn, just like they do. Just like our mothers. This is a powerful lesson in humility, growth, and self-compassion.

Mother Nature issue, cover 03 of 03.
Ekin Can Bayrakdar

Trying to be the perfect mother is an unrealistic expectation. Society often portrays the image of the “perfect mother” who effortlessly balances work, family and personal life, but perfection is an unattainable goal.

Although not all women can be, or choose, to be mothers, we are all the result of the magic of nature and motherhood. And if there is an unequivocal link that all human beings have in common, without exception, it is the fact that we are all children of one mother. Being a mother is not just a biological relationship, it is above all love, and the legacy, of tools and values that we pass on to our children, not so that they can be the best in the world, but so that they become people who contribute to A better world.

Translated from the original on Vogue Portugal's Mother Nature issue, published May 2024. Full stories and credits in the print issue.