FOREVER AND ALWAYS: Mother’s Day Special

suwat sugbo

4 min read

Written by: Julia Tan

Graphics by: Olivia Manglapus

“Well, I’ll always be your mother,” -- that’s a phrase most of us have likely heard. It’s funny to see that we celebrate a job that lasts a lifetime, only one time a year. Being a mother has never seemed to be an easy job. Following the years of sleepless nights and crying babies, they continue to deal with the plight of the angsty teens perpetually stuck on their phones. You can imagine how, amid a pandemic, the nagging requests of the family seem relentless. Somehow, these inconveniences have not veered them away; instead, their unconditional love remains constant. From taking us to school or cooking our baon, the weeks at work, and the hours in the kitchen--they are more than the stereotypes put upon them. Our mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, or mother figures are the women who choose to continue to sacrifice and care for us with every passing moment. For that reason, we celebrate all that they have done and all that they are.

The celebration of Mother’s Day dates back to West Virginia in 1858 when a mother by the name of Ann Reeves Jarvis began organizing Mothers’ Day Work Clubs. After having suffered the passing of 9 children, she assembled clubs to address the poor sanitation and healthcare of the community so that more children could lead healthier and happier lives. She hoped that by lending others a hand through the troubles of raising a child, mothers like herself would no longer have to anticipate a painful loss. One could say that it was through her selfless acts and service that Ann Jarvis represents the true spirit of a mother.

When Ann Reeves Jarvis passed away in 1905, her daughter Anna Jarvis took it upon herself to continue her mother’s life advocacy: to connect and commemorate mothers for their endless service. Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1907 when Anna pleaded with the community church to honor her mother’s death anniversary. She reminded them of Ann’s significance not only because of her role as a mom but also for the mark she had made in forging peace and change within their society. By 1908, the celebration happened a second time with white carnations gifted to each mother in the crowd. By 1914, Mother’s Day became an official national holiday in the United States.

Though the holiday was popularized in America, a mother’s love transcends worldwide. While America flaunts Mother’s Day with white carnations, the Philippines celebrates with pink ones. Back in the day, schoolchildren used to parade a cadena de amor (“chain of love” or pink carnations) on their chest as a symbol of appreciation for mom. The holiday also used to take place on the first Monday of December, along with Father’s day. Although these practices no longer continue, one tradition definitely has. Mother’s Day in the Philippines is often celebrated with family and good food. For Filipinos, it’s not enough to greet just mom, but lola and tita too! And you can bet they’d be happy to receive more than just a beso-beso. This year may be a little different, but there are other ways to send your mother figures love from a safe six-feet distance. Whether it be partying on Zoom or sending flowers through Lalamove, a celebration for Mom is never impossible.

However, like many other holidays, Mother’s Day has become prey to capitalism. In 1920, Anna Jarvis tried to boycott everything the celebration had become. Before her very eyes, a holiday that was meant to pay tribute to the devotion of mothers all around had been infiltrated by the schemes of big-brand capitalists, who took every opportunity to commercialize cards, flowers, and chocolate. Today, we see that this money-seeking objective still looms - but that doesn’t mean the true meaning of Mother’s Day is completely gone. Especially in these unprecedented times, many mothers and children would appreciate your voice. By clicking this link or by accessing it through our home page, you will be able to sign petitions that help those in need all around the globe. With your help, every mother might finally get the Mother’s Day that she deserves.

Mom might deserve the entire world, but there truly is no right or wrong way to show her how much she means to you. Maybe this year, you can make purchases from small local businesses; we’re certain they’d be delighted to get your support. Maybe this year, you can make Mom her favourite breakfast, or even tell her that you love her a hundred times over. Whatever it may be, to borrow the words of Madame Ann Jarvis herself, “This day is intended that we may make new resolutions for a more active thought to our dear mothers. By words, gifts, acts of affection, and in every way possible, give her pleasure and make her heart glad every day, and constantly keep in memory Mother’s Day.”

For the lifetime supply of love and light they have given us, surely we can make this one day of the year the most special for our moms. After all, they are and will be our mothers - forever and always.