United States and India Honor Mothers on Second Sunday of May.
Islamabad: Mother’s Day, a cherished occasion honoring maternal figures worldwide, is celebrated with heartfelt tributes and gestures of appreciation. However, the date of this significant day varies across different countries, adding to its diverse and rich tapestry of traditions.
Today, the United Kingdom commemorates Mother’s Day, while in the United Arab Emirates, the festivities were held on March 21. Meanwhile, Ireland and Nigeria are gearing up to join the celebration this Sunday.
The United States and India, among others, have chosen the second Sunday of May for their annual tribute, with this year’s celebration set for May 12.
The origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to Greek mythology, where the honoring of goddess Rhea, mother of Zeus, during spring served as inspiration. Similarly, nations in the Middle East, like the UAE, align their celebration with the spring equinox on March 21.
In the UK and Ireland, the tradition dates back to an early Christian festival, observing the fourth Sunday during Lent in March.
The United States officially introduced Mother’s Day in 1914, leading to its adoption by several countries, including India, New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka, who also celebrate on the second Sunday of May.
Notably, various countries have unique variations in their celebration dates. Thailand marks the occasion on August 12, Indonesia celebrates on December 22 with inclusivity, and France opts for the last Sunday of May.
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Argentina maintains a historical connection to the old celebration date of the Virgin Mary on the third Sunday of October. Russia, on the other hand, joined the celebration in the 1940s, designating the last Sunday in November for Mother’s Day.
These diverse dates reflect the global significance of honoring mothers and maternal figures, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions embraced by different nations.
