MOTHER’S Day is celebrated today, May 13, 2012, to pay tribute to mothers and their contributions to Philippine society, particularly the bearing and raising of children. A mother is a child’s first teacher, and it is in the home that the shaping of a child’s character begins. She is a source of strength, inspiration, happiness and stability for her family.
The Philippines, as in the United States of America (USA), celebrates Mother’s Day on the 2nd Sunday of May, as a complementary holiday to Father’s Day, which is on the 3rd Sunday in June. Mother’s Day was started by Anna Jarvis of Grafton, West Virginia, U.S.A., who sought to fulfill her own mother’s dream of a day to honor and celebrate mothers. She started out this on journey in 1908 and was successful when President Woodrow Wilson made it an official holiday in 1914.
Mother’s Day is special for most Filipinos, marking it with gifts such as flowers, chocolates, candies, jewelry, clothing, and cards. Families organize a treat or outing, while schools help pupils prepare a handmade card or small gift for their mothers.
Worldwide, Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates, with varied traditions and cultures. In Great Britain and Ireland, it is called "Mothering Sunday," taking place on the 4th Sunday of Lent. New Zealand, Australia, and Canada celebrate it on the 2nd Sunday of May. Spain’s Dia de la Madre is observed on May 6. In Bolivia, Mother’s Day is on May 27. In Antwerp, Belgium, it is on August 15. Norway holds it on the 2nd Sunday of February. In Sweden, the last Sunday of May is Mother’s Day.
No matter what day or manner nations and individuals celebrate Mother’s Day, the most important thing is: Honor and love your mother. She works hard and sacrifices a lot for her family. Let us hug and kiss her on this special day to show our thanks and appreciation. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL!source: mb.com.ph
