The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
In the Philippines, Mother’s Day is celebrated with children and their fathers pampering the mothers the whole day, giving gifts – to show gratitude for mothers’ often thankless sacrifices for the family.
Historically, the celebration of Mother’s Day dates back to the era of early Romans and Greeks. At that time, they would celebrate the annual spring festival which they dedicated to adoring their Maternal Goddesses. Christians celebrated the festival to honor the Virgin Mary.
The celebration was officially recognized in the United States in 1872. Julia Ward wrote a proclamation urging the Mothers to help themselves rise during the war. But, it was Anna Jarvis who is regarded to originate Mothers’ Day. Her long effort for the public to recognize mothers’ hard work while raising a child, led to the US President Woodrow Wilson to declare the second Sunday of May as Mothers’ Day.
In the Philippines, mothers called Mama, Nanay, Mom, Mommy and most especially “ilaw ng tahanan“, which denotes the comfort and warmth they bring to the home with their cheerful demeanor. Mothers sacrifice their own interests just to serve their children. They ensure the well-being of the whole family.
Filipinos give extra reverence to their mothers, so Mother’s Day is celebrated throughout the country with utmost zeal. The celebration honors all mothers, including grandmothers, cousins, aunts, and other female members of the family.
Children make cards drawing on them the picture of their mothers. Some prepare breakfast for their mothers in bed. Husbands also give gifts to their wives or take their wives to a trip or a day of relaxation. The celebration starts with attending Mass in the morning and then taking the moms to their favorite restaurants for a delicious lunch. The rest part of the day is spent at one of the mother’s favorite places.