Mother's Day. Did you know?

A small nuance that is interesting to know

I was traveling to the UAE this month, and saw a lot of sale / posters and advertisement around Mother’s day for March 21st. A bit confused, I thought that the world has decided to celebrate Mother’s day in the same month as Women’s day! Back home in India, everything seemed quiet. That is what prompted me to explore a bit more around Mother’s day and I find the details fascinating. It is not a Western concept - it is actually a global concept with different parts of the world celebrating it in different ways, connected by a common thread.

I’ll share some nuance around this: (summarised so it makes for quick reading):

Mother's Day is a celebration of motherhood and maternal figures observed in different parts of the world. While the date and customs of the holiday vary, the sentiment remains the same.

In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. This date was established in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day (or "Mothering Sunday") is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which usually falls in March. The origins of Mothering Sunday date back to the 16th century when it was a religious holiday to honor Virgin Mary.

Japan, India follow the US tradition interestingly (as I would have assumed we are still influenced by the British!). While In Ethiopia, Mother's Day is celebrated in the fall, usually in mid-autumn. The holiday is called "Antrosht," which means "family reunion."

Mother's Day in the UAE is celebrated on March 21st every year. The date was chosen to coincide with the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, which is traditionally associated with new beginnings, growth, and renewal.

Mother’s day represents celebration of love, bringing the family together, new beginnings, growth, and renewal! I am amazed by how expansive this day can be, and how the world celebrates the woman in their life with gratitude and love.

For me, this day has always been special. My mom has always been a source of strength and inspiration. Even at the age of 79, she was an active stock trader, (occasionally day trading), my financial advisor, a chess champion who beat the grandkids at a game every time, and loved to travel. She refused to only go to temples, loved her beach holidays, and long drives. She always found us beautiful and appreciated every small effort, without defining outcomes. She taught us to love and give unconditionally, and stay grounded for people around us.

The art of living life with your heart, believing that unconditional love can never be wrong, in spite of all the people who come and go from our life, is something I have learnt from her.

Don’t wait for Mother’s day to send flowers. Take time this Sunday to give your mom a hug. Call her if you are far away. Moms I know, just want the simple joys of life, of knowing that they matter to the people they care for.

We don’t realise the influence our mothers have on us, till much later. Like Berm William’s said: “Sooner or later, we will quote our mothers”!

Enjoy the Sunday!