By Adelarin Awotedu
Mother’s Day is a special day set aside around different hemispheres and time zones to celebrate and honour mothers, the beauty of motherhood and the essence of women in the society, generally recognizing mothers’ and mother figures’ roles.
Though not a public holiday, Mother’s Day is just as popular as Christmas and Valentines but not with as much commercial success. It is celebrated worldwide regardless of ethnicity and religious affiliation.
Unfortunately there is no universal date for Mother’s Day as each country has different days set aside, the most popular which is also celebrated here in Nigeria is the American mothers’ day which is in the second week in May, always a Sunday.
The history of Mother’s Day dates back to the early twentieth century with the first documented celebration by Anne Jarvis in 1908, she used the day to “celebrate the person who has done more for her than anyone.”
Countries like Slovenia, Vietnam and China celebrate Mother’s Day as international women’s day which stresses the point that every woman has maternal instincts.
Some people have argued that celebrating Mother’s Day is foreign to our African society. But does it matter who started a trend or is it the significance that matters most?
Is there a perfect Mother’s Day gift? Anna Jarvis was unhappy that this special day was turned into a commercial fanfare. So before you break the bank to get a gift, here are a few tips on how to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Give her a day off and have a family outing. Bring the whole family to her and if her mum is still alive, have a double Mother’s Day with grandma. Get her a card, if you can make one, that’s even better. Originally, Mother’s Day gifts were homemade cards and handwritten letters.
And think about this, maybe all you need to give is a hug and thank you, especially if that person you are celebrating is still alive, hale and hearty. Remember to cherish the moments you have together, Mother’s Day or not.
Happy Mother’s Day
About the author: Adelarin Awotedu is a writer and filmmaker. She has a degree in Microbiology and a pending masters degree in media and communications. She is an invisible borders alumnus who loves to travel. She is also an avid reader and thoroughly enjoys writing.
