Mother’s Day as we know it today is said to have originated in the United States where it is observed on the second Sunday of the month of May. It is celebrated across the world today though some countries mark its observance at other days of the year. The origin of Mother’s Day is credited to Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health. It is said that, on May 12 of 1907, she held a memorial service at her late mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within five years virtually every state was observing the day, and in 1914 U.S. President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday. Although the day was initially promoted as a tribute to one’s mother, over time, the day was expanded to include others who played mothering roles, such as grandmothers and aunts. Interestingly, what had originally been primarily a day of honor became associated with the sending of cards and giving of gifts and, in protest against its commercialization, Jarvis is said to have spent the last years of her life trying to abolish the holiday she had brought into being.
It is not clear exactly as to when or how observance of Mother’s Day originated in Nagaland but Naga culture has always emphasized a special place for mothers. Her honor was always held in the highest esteem and any act of belittling her honor was considered taboo. A mother, and not just one’s own mother, was always respected for the person she was. This, perhaps, could be one reason why observance of Mother’s Day has become an important date in the calendar today with the Church in particular organizing events to commemorate the day.
On this special day, as the entire world celebrate Mother’s Day, our prayers go out to mothers who cannot restrain from shedding silent tears because her son or daughter is a victim of alcohol and drug abuse. For the mothers who gave birth to babies they will never see grow up. For the mothers who have lost a son or daughter in unfortunate accidents. For the mothers who bear the brunt and ramblings of her inebriated husband or son every night. For the mothers who struggle and work till every inch of her body echoes in pain to make ends meet. For the mothers who keep awake endless nights tending to her ailing son or daughter. For the mothers who had to witness the physical abuse meted out to her son or daughter by others. For the mothers who pray for her children every day because it is her only refuge. For the mothers who are overwhelmed by the harsh realities of life. No matter where you are or what you are going through at the moment, remember that you are a warrior. You are powerful. You are an epitome of self-less love, energy, positivity and sacrifice. Your work is sacred. You are irreplaceable. You are special. We wish you all a very Happy Mother’s Day!