Mother's Day in Colombia is a very special occasion that is celebrated with great fervor and affection throughout the country. It is a day dedicated to honoring and thanking all mothers for their unconditional love, dedication and sacrifice. This celebration has a rich and fascinating history that dates back several decades and reflects the importance of the mother figure in Colombian society.
Origins of the Celebration
The genesis of Mother's Day in Colombia is intertwined with both religious and social roots, marking a path of cultural evolution that has endured over time.
In its beginnings, the celebration of motherhood in Colombia was closely linked to Catholic devotion to the Virgin Mary, considered the epitome of divine motherhood. Since colonial times, festivities such as the Day of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8, served as an occasion to pay tribute to the mother of Jesus and, by extension, all mothers. Although this religious approach did not entail a specific celebration for earthly mothers, it laid the foundation for the veneration of motherhood in Colombian culture.
The seed for a more secular celebration of Mother's Day in Colombia was planted in the early 20th century in the United States, where activist Anna Jarvis advocated for a special day dedicated to honoring mothers. In 1914, this vision became a reality when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day in the United States. This act inspired many nations, including Colombia, to adopt a similar celebration.
However, in the Colombian context, the push to institutionalize Mother's Day arose from a deep sensitivity to the adversities faced by mothers in the country. Elba R. de Díaz, writer and political activist, was one of the prominent voices advocating for this cause. Moved by the aftermath of the Thousand Days War, which left numerous children orphaned and many mothers widowed, Elba R. de Díaz proposed the idea of establishing a special day to honor mothers as a way to recognize their sacrifice and their fundamental role in society.
The president of Colombia at that time, Marco Fidel Suárez, responded favorably to this proposal and made Mother's Day official through decree number 155 of May 10, 1923. This date was strategically selected to coincide with the Mother's Day holiday. Ascension, a significant event in the Catholic calendar symbolizing the ascension of Jesus to heaven. Thus, the celebration of Mother's Day in Colombia not only became rooted in religious tradition, but also became a means of recognizing and honoring the vital role of mothers in Colombian society.
The Establishment of Mother's Day in Colombia
In Colombia, the celebration of Mother's Day was promoted by the writer and political activist Elba R. de Díaz, who was deeply moved by the tragedy of the Thousand Days War at the beginning of the 20th century, which left thousands of children orphans and many widowed mothers. In 1920, Elba R. de Díaz proposed the idea of celebrating a special day to honor mothers in Colombia as a way to recognize their sacrifice and fundamental role in society.
Her proposal was well received and the president of Colombia at that time, Marco Fidel Suárez, made Mother's Day official through decree number 155 of May 10, 1923, establishing that the holiday would be celebrated on the last Sunday of May of each year. anus. This date was chosen to coincide with the holiday of Ascension Day, an important date in the Catholic calendar that symbolizes the ascension of Jesus to heaven.
Since then, Mother's Day has become one of the most beloved and popular celebrations in Colombia, being an opportunity to express love, gratitude and appreciation towards mothers in all parts of the country.
The Evolution of the Celebration
Over the years, the celebration of Mother's Day in Colombia has evolved and been enriched with various traditions and customs. In many Colombian families, the day begins with the children preparing breakfast to surprise their mothers and then giving them gifts and handmade cards as a token of affection and gratitude.
Churches also play an important role in the celebration, organizing special masses dedicated to mothers and offering blessings for those who attend religious services. Many communities host special events and activities, such as concerts, craft fairs, and parades, to celebrate Mother's Day in a festive and joyful way.
In addition to family and community celebrations, Mother's Day is also an important occasion for commerce in Colombia. Stores and restaurants often offer discounts and special promotions to attract customers who want to buy gifts or celebrate the occasion with a special meal.
The Cultural Meaning of Mother's Day
Beyond festivities and traditions, Mother's Day has deep cultural meaning in Colombia. It is a day to reflect on the role of mothers in society and recognize their invaluable contribution to the well-being of families and the community in general.
In a country where the family occupies a central place in people's lives, the mother figure plays an especially important role. Colombian mothers are admired for their strength, their dedication and their unconditional love for their children. They are considered the pillar of the family, caring for and protecting their loved ones with dedication and sacrifice.
Mother's Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to these extraordinary women and to celebrate the special bond that exists between mother and child. It is a time to remember those mothers who are no longer physically present but who live in the hearts of their loved ones through their memories and teachings.
In a world that often seems to be dominated by hurry and stress, Mother's Day gives us the opportunity to stop for a moment and reflect on the importance of mothers in our lives. It is a reminder that we should appreciate and value these exceptional women not just one day a year, but every day. Because a mother's love is a priceless gift that deserves to be celebrated and honored always.