The Meaning of Mother’s Day
by Genie H., a volunteer with the Edgemont Youth Press
What is the meaning of Mother’s Day? For many, despite the famous notion behind the date, it appears on the calendar as merely another day to celebrate. Essentially acting as an annual milestone to testify the passing of another year. However, this day is not just another “world-recognition-of-some-event, thing, or person” type of day, but in fact, possesses far greater nuances that are critical to recollect and recognize to revive its truth.
More recently, Mother’s Day has taken up lighter associations: flower bouquets, decorated notecards, a passing remark at Sunday morning brunch before moving about the rest of the day. All these little traditions, while thoughtful, lack insight into the occasion. Historically, Mother’s Day is a grounding into a far deeper, more intrinsically tied notion of peace-making, as opposed to being a day of thanks to the very people who constructed the most integral parts of our identities. Emerging from the activism of women such as Anna Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe, among others, they envisioned a Mother’s Day as a call to action for peace amid what was a war-torn nation. Howe believed that mothers were in a unique position to advocate against violence and division. The day was meant to be a solemn reflection of sacrifice, endurance, and moral leadership.
The personal and social work that mothers do is often the invisible yet formative kind that teaches us to speak, and cry, and have faith in the world. Providing emotional education enabling us to be resilient and to stand back up in the face of hardships. Mothers are also the figures we turn to in times of uncertainty or adversity, and somehow, they always know just what to say to restore peace in our lives. This quiet work influences us in ways more profound than any formal schooling or educational method might. Most importantly, it teaches us to be human and to embrace our humanity.
Hence, “Thank you, mom” could never be enough to encompass the holistic impact of what it means to nurture peace, understanding, and empathy in a world so full of division. It feels particularly relevant nowadays, with everything going on in the world. Motherly love is extraordinarily both deeply personal and socially profound, making it one of the most unique feelings of its kind.
This year, as Mother’s Day rolls around, allow us to revive the deeper significance of the celebration, and raise awareness of its historical foregrounding. From historical education, supporting organizations that uplift mothers in need, to advocating for the protection of families, we can all take part in further empowering the day. Perhaps most crucially, however, take the time this Mother’s Day to sit or call your mother, and listen to what she has to say. Mother’s Day was never intended to be ordinary, and neither are our mothers.
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