Every day is Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is honoured all around the world. Despite there not being a recognised ‘International Mother’s Day’, this day is recognised globally to be the day we should thank and celebrate the sacrifices of our mothers. While this holiday originated in the United States, festivals honouring mothers also existed during ancient times: The Phrygians for Cybele, the Greeks for Rhea, and the Indians for Durga. 

Mother’s Day in the United States is held every second Sunday in May and, in the United Kingdom, it is held three weeks before Easter Sunday. In May 1907, Anna Jarvis (pictured below) created the International Mother’s Day Shrine, a dedication to all mothers. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day as a national holiday. Jarvis also promoted the tradition of wearing a white carnation for a mother who was deceased. It then became a custom to wear a red/pink carnation for a living mother. The intention of Anna Jarvis was to honour all mothers. However, after the day became associated with sending cards and gifts, Jarvis protested against its commercialisation. 

Mother’s Day in Indonesia is held every 22 December. The history of this date isn’t just a celebration to mothers, but also an important event for women. Kongres Perempuan Indonesia or Indonesian Women’s Congress was first held on 22 to 28 December 1928, Yogyakarta. This congress united local women’s organisations. It was a declaration to the people that women’s sacrifices were just as important as men in the fight for Independence. After the third Indonesian Women’s Congress, held on 22 December 1938, this date was declared National Mother’s Day.  

Since the 22 December is close to the Christmas holidays, my memory of this date is an interesting one. School holidays usually start earlier in December, meanwhile my parents were still working until around 24 December. Every holiday, we would visit my grandparents in another city, but my parents would immediately come back home afterwards, back to our city for work. I never memorised the date for Mother’s Day. I always get reminded about it through the commercials on TV, that’s when I would call or text my mother using my grandparents’ or aunt’s smartphone and express my words to her. As I have grown up, I notice that my mother radiates more role model energy to me. She has taught me to be faithful, kind, brave and to always seek knowledge. Her stories have inspired me to be who I am today. 

Although this day is very meaningful, people should also honour their mothers outside of Mother’s Day. A mother figure provides an unconditional amount of love, care, and sacrifice. Us, as the receivers, should always show respect and gratitude to our mother figures, validating their efforts and making stronger bonds. 

Hana studies BSc Computer Science in Indonesia.