Celebrating the Infinite: Exploring the Essence of Mother’s Day

Team Udayavani, May 12, 2024, 11:18 AM IST

On the second Sunday of May, many countries celebrate Mother’s Day. It’s a day to show love and appreciation for moms everywhere. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate it? Let’s dive into the story behind Mother’s Day.

This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 12. Interestingly, if you add up the numbers 5 (May) and 12 (Date), you get 17, which adds up to 8. If you add the digits of the year 2024, the resulting sum will be 8. Also, if you turn the number 8 sideways, it looks like the infinity symbol (∞). That’s pretty cool, right? It’s like saying a mother’s love is endless, just like infinity.

Historical roots

The historical roots of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where festivals honoring maternal deities served as precursors to modern-day celebrations.

From the Greek and Roman traditions, we recognize the enduring legacy of honoring motherhood across cultures and epochs.

From the veneration of Greek mother goddess Rhea and Anatolian mother goddess Cybele to the modern-day activism of Anna Jarvis, Mother’s Day has evolved into a global phenomenon, uniting individuals in a collective expression of gratitude and reverence.

Symbolism

At the heart of Mother’s Day lies the timeless symbolism of motherhood as an embodiment of love, resilience, and nurturing care. The concept of motherhood extends beyond biological ties to encompass a spectrum of maternal figures, including aunts, sisters, and mentors.

Through their selfless devotion and unwavering support, mothers impart invaluable lessons of compassion, strength, and perseverance, shaping the very fabric of our existence.

Moms are not just the ladies who gave birth to us. They can be aunts, grandmas, sisters, or even dads who take care of us like moms do. It’s all about that special bond of love and care.

Think about it – the journey of becoming a mother starts way before the baby is born. It’s a nine-month adventure filled with excitement and sometimes challenges.

Stories from Hindu mythology, like those of Ahalya, Sabari, and Kaikeyi, show us the importance of moms in shaping history and destiny. Through timeless tales such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, we glimpse the complexities of maternal relationships, navigating themes of sacrifice, duty, and redemption — from the selfless devotion of Kaikeyi to the enduring love of Gandhari.

Essence of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day isn’t just about gifts and flowers. It’s about recognizing the sacrifices moms make every day. Whether it’s a tough decision like Kaikeyi’s or quietly enduring hardships like Kunti, moms always put their children first.

While Mother’s Day may have started in the West, it’s now celebrated worldwide. From big festivals in ancient India to modern-day celebrations, the love for moms is universal.

So, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s remember that moms are amazing every single day. Let’s show them love and appreciation not just today but every day. Just as digit 8 turned sideways shows infinity (∞), a mother’s love is truly infinite.