I am always getting asked how I came up with the name Casa Danu and what "Danu" means. The name has deep personal meaning for me and the backstory may be surprising to many people! Below, I'm excited to share with you the story of Danu and how an obscure, Irish goddess completely changed the trajectory of my life.
Who is Danu?
Danu is one of the most ancient and revered goddesses in Celtic mythology. She was a mother goddess and the ancestor of many of the Celtic gods and goddesses, including the Tuatha Dé Danann, the mythical race of gods and goddesses who ruled over Ireland before the coming of the Celts.
Danu is often depicted as a beautiful and powerful goddess, with long flowing hair and a regal presence. She is associated with rivers, streams, and the land itself, and is often referred to as the "Mother of the Waters." In many Celtic traditions, Danu was seen as a symbol of the cycle of life and death, and was honored as a fertility goddess who could help ensure a bountiful harvest and healthy livestock.
Danu was also a goddess of wisdom and knowledge, and was revered as a patroness of poets, bards, and other creative artists. In many Celtic myths and legends, Danu was associated with magical powers, including the ability to shape-shift and control the elements.
In many Celtic traditions, Danu was seen as a symbol of the cycle of life and death
Today, Danu remains an important figure in modern Celtic spirituality. Many people still honor her as a goddess of fertility, creativity, and wisdom, and seek her guidance and blessings in their daily lives.
Why did I name my Caftan brand after her?
Building a sustainable fashion brand from scratch is no easy feat. But for me, it was a calling. I spent countless hours poring over mood boards, sketching out ideas for caftans, and dreaming up a brand that could truly make a difference in the world.
But one thing was missing: a name. I knew that whatever name I chose had to be inspired by a goddess. Someone strong, powerful, and full of creative energy. So I started researching. I looked at goddesses from every culture and every corner of the globe, but nothing seemed quite right.
That is, until I started exploring my own Celtic heritage. In Celtic mythology, goddesses were revered as powerful beings who controlled the forces of nature, such as the sun, moon, stars, rivers, and mountains. They were associated with fertility, creativity, healing, and transformation. As I delved deeper into their stories, I knew I had found the inspiration I was looking for.
The idea for my brand came to me while I was undergoing one of the hardest, and most beautiful times, of my life. I was finishing up treatment for triple negative breast cancer, having been diagnosed at 34 years old and 6 months pregnant. I had given birth to my first child, Rowan, who I believe saved me in more ways than one. And yet, I was lost. Struggling to find my way forward. If anyone was grappling with fertility, creativity, healing and transformation, it was definitely me.
"I was lost. Struggling to find my way forward."
I did an (almost obsessive) deep dive into the Celtic goddesses and Danu kept calling to me. The awe-inspiring image of a formidable mother goddess, exuding an unyielding strength and inspiring boundless creativity in both the people and the land, infused me with a profound sense of fortitude, renewed hope, and limitless inspiration. She embodied not only everything I personally needed, but everything I wanted my brand to represent.
Not to mention, she would look damn good in a Caftan, don't you think?
So, what Style Would Danu wear?
I definitely imagine Danu rocking our Gigi Caftan or our Theia (whose name literally means goddess) Set, both in the rich, Emerald color to reflect her deep ties to the earth. Either or, I know she would exude this combo of vitality, love, and power - an inspiring combo that I want every woman to feel when they put on a Casa Danu.
There you have it, a little behind the scenes peek into the meaning behind Casa Danu and the spirit behind the brand. Sending you all the Danu blessings!
Interested in learning more about the making of a sustainable, yet oh-so-fabulous, fashion brand? Sign up for my Caftanista Newsletter where I regularly share "making the brand" insights, in addition to recommendations and tips for living your most fabulous life - from fashion to travel to cocktails - alongside updates & exclusive offers from my colorful brand, Casa Danu. I promise only joy-inducing content, so come join the Caftanista Party!
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