Motherly Love

By MzTravelDiva ⋅ May 7, 2008 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

She’s been your doctor, teacher, counselor, financial consultant, chef…and sometimes (okay a lot of the time) your housekeeper. She has a knack for cheering you up in the simplest ways… whether its a gentle hug or your favorite recipe. Mom has worn many hats and played many roles through the years. She’s worked tirelessly to make sure her family was healthy and happy. Although, showing her the love and adoration she deserves should never be limited to just one day, Mother’s Day is a great time to express your gratitude and appreciation for all she’s done in your life…

Mother’s Day isn’t just an American holiday. In over 40 countries around the world, mothers are celebrated and honored in many different ways. Here’s some Mother’s Day history and practices from different cultures:

United States of America…
It’s said that the holiday gained its popularity largely due to the efforts of Anna M. Jarvis, who began a letter-writing campaign to garner support for a national Mother’s Day holiday when her mother passed away in 1905. She believed, mothers deserved their own special day and that it would help strengthen family bonds. In 1914, Congress passed a resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, “a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” President Woodrow Wilson issued the first proclamation making it an official U.S. holiday. Other countries that celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May: Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, South Africa, Japan, and Turkey.

United Kingdom…
Mother’s Day is more popularly known as Mothering Sunday, and is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Originating centuries ago, Mothering Sunday remains a time to show mothers appreciation. Ireland also observes Mothering Sunday during the fourth Sunday of Lent

India…
Mothers are celebrated for ten days in October in a festival they call Durga Puja. Durga is the name of a goddess who protects the people from evil and is also popularly known as The universal Mother.

Spain…
Holiday designated to respect and remember the Virgin Mary on December 8. Children also honor their own mothers on this day.

Mexico…
Dia de las Madres, is May 10 in Mexico. It’s a hugely popular occasion celebrated throughout the country, with special events sponsored by schools, churches, cities, and civic groups. The family tradition is for sons and daughters to come to their mother’s house on the eve of Mother’s Day (May 9). Festive Mother’s Day masses, handmade gifts, flowers, cards, and children’s’ school presentations are also often part of the nationwide observance. Other countries that celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10 include: Bahrain, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.

Other Nations…
Argentina (2nd Sunday in Oct.), France (last Sunday in May), Lebanon (1st day of Spring), Norway (2nd Sunday in Feb.), Sweden (last Sunday in May), and Yugoslavia/Serbia (two weeks before Christmas).

If you haven’t already thought of a way to show Mom love, it’s not too late to plan. Have a special Sunday or make a weekend of it! What’s most important is that whatever you do is sincere and from the heart. You’ve done the last minute Mother’s Day brunch at your hometown restaurant too many times…be creative and try something different for Mom this time around. She just might like it.
Mother’s Day Ideas…

- BnB Finder highlights some Bed & Breakfasts offering specials just for Mother’s Day.
- Vegas isn’t just about the casinos. From shopping to shows, this town has everything to keep Mom on her toes. And she can win a few extra bucks if she’s Lady Luck!
- Give Mom the ultimate pampering treatment…and join her! Mother and Daughter Spa Packages are a great way to bond and relax.
- Grab a basket and head to the park or experience natural beauty at a botanical garden
- Wineries are a unique location for a Mother’s Day brunch. Check these listings for Wine Brunches and Tastings near you or even out of town!

For more Mother’s Day ideas, visit Mother’s Day Central. Whatever you do, don’t forget to tell Mom how special she is to you!

Happy Mother’s Day!