Just out of interest, I “Googled” Mother’s Day and talk about an education! I knew that Mother’s Day, as celebrated in Australia, was begun in the USA in the early 1900s (1912), so I thought that the day was probably only celebrated in countries that had strong cultural ties with America: the UK, Australia, New Zealand…perhaps Canada… I had no idea that practically the whole world has some sort of Mother’s Day. Long before Mrs Whatshername (in 1912) kick-started the modern version, there was the Christian day of “Mothering Sunday”, which celebrated the day Jesus was taken by his parents to be presented at the Temple. (Don’t ask me; I have no idea why that’s called “Mothering Day” and not “Temple Presentation Day”.) In many Catholic countries the day coincides with Virgin Mary day. In Bolivia the day is celebrated on the date of a battle in which many women participated and were killed by the Spanish army. (Don’t get offended, Spanish people, I’m not having a go at you.) In some Muslim countries the day is celebrated on the birthday of Mohammed’s daughter, Fatima. The Hindu religion had a holiday to celebrate womanhood, long before Europeans turned up and introduced them to the Western version. It’s relatively new in China, but they say it fits well with their tradition of honouring their elders. The South Koreans just have one day: Parents’ Day.

For some of us it’s a day to give our mothers presents, cards dripping with sentimentality to say “we love you heaps, Ma” and, just to add to their long-suffering, let the little kids bring them undercooked eggs and crumby toast for breakfast in bed. In Germany, in Hitler’s day, it became a political tool to encourage German women to have lots of healthy future soldiers to give to their nation. There was even a medal for women who had more than 8 children. (Personally, If I had more than 8 children, I’d want a whole lot more than an inane medal!)

Some people have had terrible experiences at the hand of mentally disturbed, alcoholic or drug-addicted, or sociopathic mothers. It’s not such a happy day for them. Some people never knew their mother and are haunted by an unquenched longing for the unknown. Some women will never be mothers, and this day is a painful reminder of that fact. Some people’s mothers have died (like mine) and this day brings bittersweet feelings: sweet memories of our loved one and sadness that we won’t see them again this side of heaven.

Some countries don’t have Mother’s Day but, instead, celebrate “International Women’s Day”. I like that idea. It is more inclusive (single and/or childless women would no longer feel left out) and it would be a good way to encourage people to respect and cherish women, as equal partners in the journey of life. On the other hand, I really enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren. I love to read the sloppy cards, dripping with sentimentality. I like getting presents (who doesn’t). Best of all, it’s so nice to feel appreciated; that’s the very best part of the day.

Mothers, you have the most important job in the world: you nurture and shape another human being. That’s an awesome thing. Well done, you! I wish you all a happy Temple Presentation-the Virgin Mary mother of Jesus-Fatima’s birthday-Hindu womanhood-Bolivian Battle-parenting-Mothering Sunday-Mother’s Day. 🙂