The Origin of My Name

A dear friend of mine once forwarded me a paragraph she found online: “Rhea is very different to others but in a positive way. She has many, many morals and uses them to help herself and others in different situations. Rhea is a giving person and is one who shares, she does not give to receive. She sees light and hope in everyone, and can help anyone through their dark times. She is a leader, not a follower. A Rhea is a strong headed woman who has many ambitions and goals in life, she will struggle in the beginning and work hard to make the future bright, clear and successful for her and her family. Rhea is a family person and loves to be around people but also likes her own company. She is a loveable, warm hearted person who will is loyal to any companion and in any relationship. Lastly, she is a loyal, trustworthy, funny friend and is great to be around. Whenever you need Rhea she will always be there, cherish the time you have with a Rhea because she is one in a million.”

I cannot deny that these words are tantamount to a mirror placed in front of me, they truly resonate my very own self. Ever since, I agree with psychology, metaphysics and the power of thoughts that we do eventually become our names and that they capture our essence. I'd say that there's real power in names.

My first name is Pawena, however, my circle calls me Rhea. Yes, Rhea is my nickname. 
Of course, anyone who is well-acquainted with Greek Mythology would immediately associate ‘Rhea’ with the Mother of the Gods. Sure, Rhea was the daughter of Uranus and Gaea, the wife and sister of Cronus, and the mother of Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Hades, Demeter, and Hestia. And anyone who is passionate about astronomy will quickly pick up Rhea as being one of the moons of Saturn. Zoologists would very powerfully articulate that ‘Rhea’ is the scientific name of a large ratite in the order Rheiformes, native to South America and related to the African ostrich and emu. Through the Internet, I came to learn that ‘Rhea’ is also a popular culture jargon that is usually used to qualify that a girl is fabulous and charming.

From the Roman and Greek culture Rhea signifies ‘flowing stream’ and is a clear symbol that everything flows and thus, nothing lasts. I am the type of person who is living in the moment, free from bondage and carefree. I do flow- swiftly. I might just brush past you, listen to you, learn things, share my stories and then fly away with immense gratitude. Funnily and perhaps evidently, Rhea is the root of the word "diarrhea," meaning "to flow through". The Hindi meaning of Rhea is a singer and has a correlation with the menstrual cycle and the womb. 

My paternal grandfather named me Rhea and in Mauritius, this is seen as a French name. He never kept it as one with symbolism but rather out of convenience. However, it does not take away from the fact that I love this nickname and I cherish how my personality and character matches with the panoply of meanings it has.