Mother’s Day

This day is a special occasion where we honor our mother, those wonderful women who have given us life or who have raised us as if they were our own mothers, those who have supported us, support us, and will support us throughout our lives.

This article is dedicated to them.

Where does Mother’s Day come from?

The roots of Mother’s Day date back to ancient times when past cultures honored goddesses as symbols of fertility, motherhood, and protection.

The idea of celebrating Mother’s Day worldwide originated from Anna Jarvis, an American woman who wished to honor her mother for her work in reconciling opposing sides during the American Civil War. This commemoration was officially recognized in 1914 when the second Sunday of May was established as a national holiday in the United States.

In Spain, the proposal originated from a postal worker in Carlet, Valencia. On the same day, the magazine Mundo Gráfico published a photo of Julio Menéndez along with his initiative on a double page of current news.

Finally, on Monday, October 4, 1926, the first Mother’s Day was celebrated in the capital of Spain and some other cities.

But it was at the end of the Civil War, and through the intervention of the Church, that the tribute to mothers began to be celebrated throughout Spain on December 8, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. However, in 1965, the date of the first Sunday in May was officially established.

Ideas to surprise

If you want to have a nice gesture on this day, here are some ideas to surprise and make her feel special:

1. Breakfast in bed: Prepare a delicious breakfast and bring it to her bed to start the day with a pleasant surprise.
2. Fresh flowers: Flowers are always a classic and beautiful gift. You can choose her favorite flower or a bouquet of fresh flowers to brighten her day.
3. At-home spa day: Create a relaxing atmosphere at home with scented candles, soft music, and skincare products so she can enjoy a spa day in the comfort of her own home.
4. Handmade card: Make a handmade card with a personalized message expressing your love and gratitude towards her.
5. Special dinner: Prepare her favorite meal or reserve a table at her favorite restaurant to enjoy a special dinner together.
6. Photo album: Create a photo album with special memories and moments shared together over the years.
7. Activity together: Plan an activity that you know she would love to do, whether it’s shopping, taking a stroll in the park, or watching a movie together at home.
8. Personalized gift: Consider giving her something personalized, such as a piece of jewelry engraved with her name or a meaningful phrase, or a customized item with her initials.
9. And have you considered giving her one of our Spanish courses? It’s a unique gift for your mom to learn about new cultures and languages.

How is it celebrated in Spain?

During this day, families gather to pay tribute to mothers with gestures of love and gratitude. Flowers, especially carnations, are a traditional gift to express tenderness and appreciation.

In addition to gifts, it’s common for families to enjoy a special meal together, either at home or at a restaurant.

It’s interesting to note that, in different regions of Spain, celebrations may have their own particularities.

In the Valencian Community, mothers receive the well-known “mocadorà,” a handkerchief that is given along with a typical sweet cake called “Mona de Pascua“, as a sign of love and gratitude towards mothers.

In Catalonia, it is customary to give mothers a bouquet of roses, while children receive a book as part of the celebration of Sant Jordi’s Day, which coincides with this date.

In other regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, it’s a tradition to take mothers for a snack in a meadow or green area, where they enjoy a snack in a family-friendly and festive atmosphere.

Generally, all communities, including Murcia, share the fact that families often gather to have a meal together, and it’s common to give gifts such as flowers, chocolates, perfumes, and more.

And in the rest of the world?

In the United States, Germany, Italy, and Japan, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, while in France, it’s celebrated on the fourth Sunday of May. In most Latin American countries, such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th.

However, there are countries that opt for different dates. For example, in Argentina, it’s celebrated on the third Sunday of October, in Panama on December 8th, and in Indonesia on December 22nd.

Some countries, such as China, Ukraine, and Russia, have chosen to link Mother’s Day with other events, such as International Women’s Day on March 8th.

In Mexico, in 1949, a large monument was erected in the capital in honor of mothers. Nowadays, schools organize festivals, and many government offices give the day off to women with children.

In Bolivia, May 27 commemorates the famous Battle of Coronilla in 1812. In this battle, women showed brave resistance against the Spaniards to protect their children.

In France, during the holiday, families gather for a special lunch, and children often make handmade gifts or choose special presents to honor their mothers.

In Germany, it’s common for the days to be warm, and families gather in “biergartens,” which are typical outdoor terraces where beer is served, and bringing food from home is allowed to enjoy in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.

In some Italian cities, public events or special ceremonies are organized to honor mothers. For example, in Rome, you can find concerts, parades, or special markets dedicated to this day.

Given that filial love is a fundamental ethical principle in Chinese culture, ceremonies are held in schools to honor and congratulate the mothers of the students.

Additionally, the government organizes ceremonies in cities like Shanghai and Beijing, where some mothers are recognized with the title of “China’s Most Exceptional Mothers” based on how they have raised their children, thus honoring maternal work.

In Japan, the typical way to celebrate and show gratitude to mothers is by giving flowers. Two stand out: carnations and bonsai. The former represents love and gratitude, while the latter reflects maternal work, patience, and dedication.

May this day be filled with laughter, hugs, and unforgettable moments.

Happy Mother’s Day!