Why is Mother's Day celebrated in Colombia?

Mother 's Day is a very important celebration in Colombia , which is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. During this day, Colombians honor and celebrate their mothers and all the maternal figures who have had a significant impact on their lives. But why is Mother's Day celebrated in Colombia?

The idea of celebrating a day in honor of mothers dates back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses, Rhea and Cybele, respectively. In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church adopted Mother's Day in honor of the Virgin Mary. However, modern Mother's Day originated in the United States in the 20th century. In 1908, Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother's Day in Grafton, West Virginia, in honor of her own mother, who had been a peace activist and had worked to help families in need during the American Civil War. The holiday quickly spread nationally, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday in May the official Mother's Day in the United States.

The celebration of Mother's Day caught on quickly in Colombia in the early 20th century, largely due to the influence of American culture. Although the exact date of the first Mother's Day in Colombia is unknown, it is believed that it was first celebrated in the 1920s. In Colombia , this day is a very important holiday, celebrated with a large number of traditions and traditions. Most Colombians view their mothers as a sacred figure, a source of love and protection, and Mother's Day is an opportunity to honor and thank these women for all they have done for their children.

It is celebrated in a variety of ways across the country, and there are many different traditions and customs associated with the holiday. Below are some of the most common Mother's Day traditions in Colombia:

Gifts and Flowers: Mother's Day is an opportunity for children to express their love and gratitude to their mothers, and a common way to do this is through gifts and flowers. Many Colombians give their mothers chocolates, jewelry, greeting cards, perfumes, and other symbolic gifts on this day. Flowers, particularly roses, are also a popular gift for mothers in Colombia .

Food: Food is an important part of the Mother's Day celebration in Colombia. Many families come together to share a special meal in honor of their mothers, which often includes traditional dishes such as sancocho (a meat and vegetable stew), bandeja paisa (a dish that includes rice, beans, meat, and fried plantains), and arepas (a flat bread made from corn). It is also common to take mothers to restaurants or cook their favorite dishes at home.

Cards and poems: In Colombia, cards and poems are a popular way to express love and gratitude to mothers on Mother's Day. Many sons write poems or letters to their mothers, expressing their feelings and gratitude towards them. Greeting cards can also be found everywhere, with poignant and meaningful messages and designs.

Religious celebrations: In some parts of Colombia, Mother's Day is celebrated with masses and religious processions. Catholic churches often organize special masses in honor of mothers, and some families attend these celebrations together.

Outdoor Activities: Many families in Colombia celebrate Mother's Day by spending time outdoors. Parks, beaches, and botanical gardens are popular places to visit on this day, and many families take the opportunity to enjoy a day outdoors and relax together.

It should be noted that in some countries the dates are different and the celebrations are carried out in a different way, here are some countries that celebrate this particular day:

France : In France, Mother's Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of May. This date was officially established in 1950 by the French government, but its origin dates back to Roman times, when a festival was held in honor of the goddess Cibeles, mother of all gods.

Spain: In Spain, Mother's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May.

Argentina: In Argentina, Mother's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of October. This date was officially established in 1936 by then President Agustín P. Justo, but its origin dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when a group of women began to promote the idea of honoring mothers on a special day.

Mexico: In Mexico, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 10.

Australia: In Australia, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, just like in the United States. This date was made official in 1924 by the Australian Mother's Day Committee organization, but its origin dates back to medieval times, when Laetare Sunday was celebrated in honor of the Virgin Mary.