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Monday, December 13, 2010

Godiva's lasting gift



The story of Lady Godiva is an interesting one. She was quite the wealthy benefactor historically. She gave land and gifts to help the cause of religion in the fading years of Anglo-Saxon England, c. 11th century. Her husband also was a great benefactor for the cause of religion.

But that historical glimpse is different from the popular story that circulates about the good Lady. Her Anglo-Saxon name was Lady Godgyfu, which means God-gift (God=God, Gyfu=gift). The legend says that Godiva's husband was an oppressive lord of the people subservient to him, making them pay both money and crops in taxes to him. The people appealed to the good-hearted Godiva to give them relief. She approached her husband and made the deal with him that if she could ride the length of the road through the town naked without being seen by its denizens that he would lift the heavy taxation. She made a procalamation for everyone to stay indoors during a certain time, the time needed to ride through the town and not be seen. She rode through the center of town hidden only by her long golden hair. It worked. No one saw her naked. Taxes were lifted. The people thanked her for being a gift from God for them.

It is not a quantum leap to see how a box of chocolates named Godiva is considered the zenith of gifts if it is chocolate you are giving. You can let someone know what a gift that person is in your life.



4 u Godgyfu...

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