Mother’s Day is celebrated in numerous countries across the globe. (Not all countries observe Mother’s Day on the same date.) It is a special occasion when children express their love and appreciation for their mothers through cards, gifts, and flowers. Families come together on this day, allowing mothers to enjoy a day of rest while being taken care of by their husbands and children.
Filipinos hold their celebrations in high regard. Mother’s Day in the Philippines is a momentous occasion, and Filipinos approach their celebrations with utmost seriousness and dedication.
Mother’s Day carries profound significance here in the Philippines. This is primarily because of the prominent role mothers have in Filipino culture and their profound impact on the lives of their children.
Mothers are bestowed with the title “ilaw ng tahanan,” which translates to “light of the house” in English. This title acknowledges the warmth, generosity, and guiding presence that mothers bring to their families. It’s a perfect way to describe moms.
That’s why Mother’s Day goes beyond celebrating mothers alone; it’s a comprehensive celebration aimed at showing respect and gratitude to grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and other women in the family who are also mothers.
So, if you wish to incorporate Filipino tradition into your household, be sure to extend your appreciation to all your lolas (grandmothers), ninangs (godmothers), and tiyas (aunts) as well.
Historical Roots of Mother’s Day Celebrations
Ancient Greece celebrated a form of Mother’s Day, paying tribute to Rhea, the mother of the gods. Meanwhile, in Britain, an annual celebration known as Mothering Sunday emerged in the 1600s. This tradition arose from the circumstances of that time when many individuals lived away from home, working for their employers. On the fourth Sunday of Lent, they were encouraged to return home and visit their mothers. Along the way, they would gather flowers as gifts or offer cakes.
In the late 1800s, Julia Ward Howe, renowned for penning the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic,’ was deeply disturbed by the devastation caused by the American Civil War. She introduced the concept of a ‘Mother’s Day for Peace,’ to be observed on June 2nd. However, enthusiasm for this idea waned when Howe was no longer able to fund the celebrations, and she redirected her efforts elsewhere.
The Journey of Mother’s Day: From Anna Jarvis to International Recognition
During the late 19th century and early 20th century, a remarkable woman named Anna Jarvis embarked on a mission to shed light on the inadequate health conditions in her community. Recognizing the immense support that mothers could provide, she named the day ‘Mothers Work Day.’ Sadly, Anna Jarvis passed away in 1905, but her daughter, also named Anna, took up the torch to honor her mother’s life and work.
Driven by a deep desire to commemorate her mother’s legacy, Anna Jarvis wrote heartfelt letters to politicians and businessmen, urging them to endorse a dedicated day for mothers. Specifically, she proposed that this special day should coincide with the anniversary of her mother’s passing. After relentless advocacy, President Woodrow Wilson finally proclaimed in 1914 that the second Sunday in May would be officially dedicated to honoring the “mothers of our country.”
As time went on, Mother’s Day gained recognition and appreciation beyond national borders. By the end of Anna Jarvis’ life, this cherished occasion was celebrated in more than 40 countries, symbolizing the universal gratitude and reverence for mothers worldwide.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
