Mother’s Day 2024

The Strength of Many Mothers: Highlighting Diverse Motherhood Experiences

Mother’s Day is a special day celebrated around the world to honour mothers and mother figures. It is a day dedicated to expressing gratitude and love towards those who have nurtured and cared for us.

In this article, we will explore the diverse motherhood experiences and the unique ways in which this annual event is celebrated. From honouring mother figures beyond biological mothers to the impact of technology on the way we celebrate, let’s delve into the world of Mother’s Day 2024.

History and significance of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day has a rich history that dates back centuries. The origin of this special day can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals to honor mother goddesses.

However, the modern concept of Mother’s Day, as recognized in other countries and around the globe, originated from three distinct sources: Mother Church, Julia Ward Howe, and Anna Jarvis.

Mother Church

“Mother Church” refers to the spiritual centre of a diocese or a religious community. In the early days of Christianity, people would return and visit their “Mother Church” on the fourth Sunday of Lent to worship and honour the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is a tradition practiced by most families even to this day.

Julia Ward Howe

Source: Hulton Archive

In the United States, Julia Ward Howe, an influential American poet and activist, introduced Mother’s Day. She proposed the idea of a Mother’s Day for Peace in 1870 to unite mothers against war.

Although her idea did not gain immediate momentum, it laid the foundation for the eventual establishment of Mother’s Day as a national holiday.

West Virginia

Ann Reeves Jarvis was a community organizer and social activist during the tumultuous American civil war. Ann Reeves Jarvis is widely known as the inspiration for Mother’s Day, and founder or Mother’s Day movements while Anna Marie Jarvis, her daughter, is recognized as the founder of the Mother’s Day holiday in the United States.

Anna Jarvis, an American social activist, campaigned for the recognition of a special day dedicated to mothers. Inspired by her mother’s work during the Civil War, Anna Jarvis urged people to honor mothers and mother figures.

Mothering Sunday

Mother’s Day is celebrated in various ways across different cultures and countries. While it is commonly observed on the second Sunday in May in many countries, the date may vary in other regions.

For instance, in the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day, known as Mothering Sunday, falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

Mother’s Day 2024: Celebrating diverse motherhood experiences

Motherhood comes in different forms and is not limited to biological mothers. As society evolves, the definition of motherhood expands to include adoptive mothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, and other mother figures who play a significant role in a person’s life.

Mother’s Day is one of the highly anticipated and endearing celebrations that is recognized and practiced in many parts of the world.

While it is not considered one of the holidays unlike in the United States, people prepare more than a week in advance for fun activities and buy their special gift for their moms ahead of time. Of course, it is one of the well-loved traditions in the Philippines. In the country, Mother’s Day is celebrated every second Sunday of May.

On Mother’s Day 2024, it is important to celebrate and acknowledge the diverse motherhood experiences that exist.

Let us not only honor our own mothers but also recognize the love and care provided by these mother figures who have embraced the role of a mother in our lives.

As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s essential to recognize and honor the diverse experiences of mothers in the Philippines.

These stories reflect hope, survival, and unwavering love, showcasing the strength and resilience of Filipino mothers.

Rhea Milado: Weathering Typhoon Haiyan

Rhea Milado was four months pregnant when Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) struck her hometown of Tacloban City. As floodwaters rose, she and her four-year-old daughter swam to higher ground, braving the storm surge.

Amid the chaos, Rhea found strength in her maternal love. Their house was washed away, leaving them with nothing, but Rhea’s focus remained on her children’s future. “A mother’s job is never done,” she said. “I want to rise again for my children, ensuring they receive education and opportunities beyond poverty.”

Venus Pedro: Advocating for Children with Disabilities

Venus Pedro’s son, Jericho, was diagnosed with autism at four. While Jericho attended special classes at Project TEACH (Therapy, Education, and Assimilation of Children with Handicaps) in Mandaluyong City, Venus volunteered at centres.

She provided support and guidance to children with disabilities and their caregivers. Venus’s message to other parents: “I’ll help your children, but you should also learn to help them.”

Wilma Madato: Empowering Bangsamoro Women

As the Training Officer of the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Group, Wilma Madato works to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.

Through the Children, Not Soldiers campaign, she educates parents and community leaders about children’s rights and advocates for their protection. Wilma envisions a brighter future for the Bangsamoro region, where educated leaders wield pens instead of arms.

Jericho and Monica Ignacio: Healing Through Service

Twelve-year-old Jericho lives with his grandmother, Monica Ignacio, in Roxas City. After Typhoon Haiyan, Jericho volunteered in one of UNICEF’s child-friendly spaces, helping other children recover from the disaster.

His father was absent, and his mother remarried, starting a new family. Jericho’s grandmother, selling sweet rice treats, embodies resilience and love.

Unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day

While traditional gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt cards remain popular, there are many unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day and make it truly memorable.

Instead of relying solely on other gifts, consider spending quality time together. Plan a special outing or a family gathering where you can create lasting memories.

Another idea is to engage in activities that your mother enjoys. Whether it’s going for a hike, cooking a meal together, or indulging in a spa day, tailor the celebration to suit her interests.

Personalized gifts and gestures that show thoughtfulness and appreciation can go a long way in making every mothers’ day truly special.

Modern Mother’s Day

Technology has revolutionized the way we celebrate special occasions, including Mother’s Day. In an increasingly interconnected world, distance is no longer a barrier to expressing our love and gratitude. With just a few clicks, we can send virtual flowers, e-cards, or personalized messages to our loved ones.

Video and phone calls have become a popular way to connect with mothers who may be far away. Through video chats, we can bridge the physical distance and celebrate Mother’s Day together.

Social media platforms provide a platform for publicly expressing our love and appreciation for our mothers and sharing memories and sentiments with a wider audience.

Conclusion

Though Mother’s Day is not considered a public holiday, it’s still important that we celebrate the diverse motherhood experiences and honour all mothers in our lives during this day.

Let us cherish this annual event and make every day an opportunity to express love and gratitude to the mother figure in your life. Happy Mother’s Day!