La festa della mamma è una ricorrenza civile celebrata in tutto il mondo per onorare la figura materna e la maternità. Sebbene questa festività sia diffusa in moltissimi paesi, non esiste una data comune a tutti, per i suoi festeggiamenti. In Italia, la festa della mamma cade la seconda domenica di maggio, come anche negli Stati Uniti. Nel Bel Paese, l’usanza di festeggiare la festa della mamma nasce negli anni ‘50 grazie ad una spinta sia commerciale - espressamente ispirata ai festeggiamenti che già da quarant’anni si svolgevano in America - che religiosa e che celebra la mamma come valore cristiano, ispirandosi alla figura di Maria, madre di Gesù. Le celebrazioni italiane includono numerose iniziative, molte delle quali di natura solidale. La più famosa è quella voluta dall’AIRC, l'Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro. Durante i festeggiamenti in piazza, è possibile acquistare le azalee dell'AIRC, il cui ricavato va a favore della ricerca.
Mother's Day is a holiday well-known by many Americans, but what most don't know is how widely celebrated the holiday truly is around the globe. Mother's Day is celebrated in nearly 50 countries worldwide and celebrations range from festivals to simply spending a day with one's own mother. Typically celebrated on the second Sunday of May, Mother's Day will occur on May 14 in the U.S. this year. Depending on the country in which one lives, this day may change by days or even months.
Mother's Day started in the U.S. as early as the end of the 19th century. Originally established by concerned women as a day to support peace and disarmament during times of war, this holiday eventually evolved into a day to honor the mothers in American households. Mother's Day can be celebrated in various ways according to the family who celebrates. Some decide to attend church services, some spend the day with their mothers, and some give their mothers telephone calls and cards to honor their motherly support throughout the years.
In Italy, the holiday can be celebrated much differently than in the U.S. For example, the Roman Catholic Church associates this holiday more with the Virgin Mary and some families may even dedicate states and shrines in devotion to her on this day. Special services may even be held for the Virgin Mary, including special worships and prayers. There are some more traditional aspects of this holiday in Italian culture, too. Many Italians and Italian Americans alike may use this holiday to celebrate their mothers. The U.S.’s celebration of this day had a heavy impact on the modern Italian Mother's Day.
In the beginning, the Italian Mother's Day was known as Giornata Della Madre e del Fanciullo, or "The Day of the Mother and Child." This day is now known as La Festa della Mamma, or "Mother's Day." The holiday officially began after WWII, when it was celebrated in May of 1957. After gaining popularity amongst the local Italian population, the holiday was officiated the next year. Nowadays, the holiday is as popular as ever.
Mother's Day has also found significance around the world. Countries such as Germany, Japan and France adopted Mother's Day in the early 20th century, while other countries followed throughout the century as late as the 1990s. Countries close to the U.S. accepted the holiday fairly quickly such as Mexico, which adopted the holiday in 1922. There are still some countries who have yet to make Mother's Day a national holiday; for example, some people in India may celebrate the holiday in more urban areas, while most of the country doesn't celebrate the occasion.
While there is no doubt that the holiday is kept alive by the booming floral and commercial industry, it is apparent that Mother's Day will continue to grow and flourish as the years pass by. Mothers work hard all year long to care for and protect their children so it is known by many that a day honoring her sacrifice is a wonderful gift indeed.
Happy Mother's Day!
