Mother's Day Origins

Mother's Day was both founded and celebrated for the first time in 1908 in America by Anna Jarvis when she held a memorial for her mother. Then she launched a successful campaign to create "Mother's Day" and have it recognized as a national US holiday, which took place in 1914. It wasn't long before Anna was to be disappointed by the extensive commercialization of the new holiday during the 1920's but her holiday was adopted and adapted by many other countries and is now celebrated the world over. 

1916 Mother's Day Postcard from Northern Pacific Rail

In the Arab world Mother's Day takes place March 21st and was first introduced in Egypt by Mustafa Amin, a journalist, in his book Smiling America (1943). No one took the idea seriously at the time. Seems Mr. Amin heard a story about a widowed mother who devoted her entire life to raising her son til he became a doctor, married and left without the least ounce of gratitude towards her. Amin wanted to promote Mother's Day in appreciation for her and others like her, who had been left behind by their children and extended families. Of course the idea met with ridicule by Gamal Abdel Nasser, the then president but in time he accepted it and Mother's Day was celebrated for the first time on March 21st in 1956 and the practice has been adopted by the other Arab countries. 

Typical of any tyrannical regime, when Mustafa Amin was arrested and imprisoned, supposedly because of his journalism, the government made some serious attempts to force the change of the name of Mother's Day to Family Day so the people would forget its founder. Fortunately all attempts failed and Mother's Day has continued to be called by its proper name and celebrated on its proper date with classic songs that honor mothers and their efforts for their families, everywhere. 

Here in Canada, we pack Mom into the car on the second Sunday in May and head out to her favorite restaurant! Family celebrations and gift giving characterize the holiday for mom, grandmom and all other important female figures in the family. It is not a public holiday or a day off for the banks; rather it remains a very personal and individual gathering with a wide variety of different activities.

 

Celebratory practices in Canada are very similar to those of other western nations like Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Its the day that Canadians have chosen to express their gratitude and appreciation towards mothers, mother figures and all important women who have impacted our lives on this special day that was created for them ~ Mother’s Day. In one Québécois tradition many French men offer roses or other flowers to the women in their families and lives.

Catspaw

Aspects Of An Anniversary

What do you do for your anniversary?   Somehow Merrill and I started going out for an anniversary dinner to a favorite or new restaurant. We started this due to our finances; like everyone we have bills that eat up our paychecks and debt to pay down so it seemed like the most sensible thing to do. Remember, I'm not talking McDonald's here; nice place but even Timmie's is an improvement on a special occasion. Before we moved to Prince Edward Island two years ago; its been two years, eight months the end of May, coming up but am I counting??  Anyway, since we moved here from our beloved Alberta where we had a favorite place we'd go that this island sorely lacks. There is no replacing a good Buffet!  There is one here but once was enough at the price they charge for what you get in return.


The first aspect is how you chose to celebrate your anniversary and since anything goes within reason, there are no set rules. From dinner out, a movie, a night on the town, dancing, a weekend getaway if you can afford it, exchanging gifts. Maybe you can farm out the kids to a neighbor or grandparents... Better yet, get them to clean the house while your gone!

If you're like me, kinda like with Christmas, you plan for it well ahead of time. To that end here is one thing that I do to make it more special. Say you have some spare cash (HA!) excuse the laugh, I'm still working on that part. 
Ok, so you know those gift cards you see in every store that is allowed to carry them, every time I can afford it I invest in one, from my favorite stores of course, I purchase. Then I tuck them safely away and more often than not, forget they exist. Then something comes up and I go on a hunt for them. I try to do this, once every month and for a sizable amount like 50 bucks to make it worthwhile as, lets face it, $10 even $25 just doesn't count for much anymore. But, I have to say that when it comes from a friend or family member, it is very much appreciate.

Are you a coupon clipper?  I've become one but, I go online to my favorite stores and new stores that I find and get my coupons that way. Always making sure that its a worthwhile item, at least something I'd actually buy and the expiration date is not too close to hand. Sometimes one can come across a good spa deal or gym promotion if one is keeping an eye out. Sounds ridiculous ~~ a coupon to get the vehicle fixed for half price will mean a great deal to hubby!  A free hair cut and style will literally make a new woman out of the Mrs's, especially around Spring ~~ the time when we get antsy and run after any change that presents itself. 

If nothing else, hand your spouse a gift card and send them shopping!  No worry ~ no guilt, you've had it paid for months ago and you where lucky to find it again!!  Might as well use it, its money already spent anyway. Remember when you actually enjoyed such things before you got in the habit of counting the pennies in your purse??

Enjoy, guilt free!


Catspaw