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Despite the multitudinous attributes that language imparts upon a mother, such as “the maker of nations”, “the holy candle”, “the angle”, “the maker of men”, it falls short of describing her. Renowned Napoleon Bonaparte said that a mother shakes a cradle with her right hand, and shakes the world with her left hand. Mothers implant values and virtues within their children’s hearts that they might grow to be good citizens.
Honoring One’s Parents
Parents have a special position in religions. In the Pentateuch, we find that the commandment of honoring one’s parents is the first one that sets relations amongst humans. We read, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord gives you.” [20:12] Likewise, we read in Deuteronomy, “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the Lord your God gives you.” [5:16] Thus, honoring one’s parents is the source of the blessings that fill man’s life.
On the other hand, death is the punishment of dishonoring them. In Exodus, we read, “And he that smites his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.” [21:15, 17]. We also read in Proverbs, “The eye that mocks a father and scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.” [30:17]. The New Testament also emphasizes the honoring of one’s parents, for we read in St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right… (which is the first commandment with a promise)…” [6:1-2]The Qoran also teaches people to honor their parents. In the verse (surah) of Luqman, we read, “We command man to honor his parents. His mother bears him with increasing pain, and nurses him for two years. Be, thus, grateful to Me and your parents, for you shall return to Me. Should your parents entice you to worship other gods, disobey them. Yet, be kind to them as long as they are alive, following the path of the faithful. In the end, all of you will return to Me, and I will judge you according to your deeds.” In al-Aqhaf surah, we read, “We command man to honor his parents. His mother bears him with pain, gives birth to him with pain and nurses him for thirty months.” In al-Israa surah, we read, “God has commanded that you worship Him only and be good to your parents. Should one, or both of them, become of age, do not be impatient with them, or scold them. Address them respectfully.”
Thus, parents occupy a lofty position, though the mother is uniquely capable of taking care of her children, as God grants her an abundance of kindness and patience. Abul ʿAla Al-Maʿarri writes:
Life is short, so honor your parents,
Though your mother deserves more honor and kindness
It is enough she bears and nurses.
All humanity owes her such acts of benevolence.
Mothers educate their children: they teach them good manners first and foremost. Hence, Hafiz Ibrahim chants:
A mother is the first school ever.
Rear her to be a good mentor.
She will then rear a people so upright.
A mother is an orchard full of delight:
Nurture her, she will bud and sprout
Your mother is your first professor
Her lessons do horizons cover.
The world acknowledges mothers’ significant role as life makers.
Mother’s Day Celebrations
The whole world honors mothers and celebrates them on a special day. This day, however, differs from one country to another. France and Sweden celebrate Family Day on the last Sunday of May. Norway celebrates it on the second Sunday of February. Georgia holds it on March 3. Ireland, England, and Nigeria conduct it on the fourth Sunday of Great Lent. In Spain, celebrating Mother’s Day is linked with honoring St. Mary. This takes place on December 8. North America and Japan celebrate it on the second Sunday of May. The Arab World honors mothers on March 21.
Historical Background
Some researchers ascribe celebrating Mother’s Day to the Greeks who used to venerate Rhea, whereas Romans venerated mother Cybele. The idea of celebrating Mother’s Day, however, goes to the United States of America when Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) called for making Mother’s Day a national holiday. This took place two years after her mother’s death. She wanted children to appreciate what their mothers do for them during their lifetime. The Church honored Miss Anna Jarvis on May 10, 1908. This was the start of celebrating Mother’s Day in the United States. Mother’s Day was officially celebrated in West Virginia: at Oklahoma State in 1910. The rest of the states followed suit in 1911. On May 10, 1913, the Congress officially declared the celebration of Mother’s Day to be on the second Sunday of May.
Mother’s Day in Egypt
The idea of celebrating Mother’s Day was initiated by the twin brothers and journalists Mustafa and Ali Amin, founders of Akhbar al-Youm. It came to pass that Ali Amin received a letter from a miserable mother who felt devastated by her children’s cruelty to her. Likewise, one mother came to Mustafa to complain to him from her children’s rare visits to her after getting married, especially that she had sacrificed a lot for their sake after the father’s death when they were very young. Thus, like Jarvis, Mustafa and Ali called for dedicating a day to celebrate Mother’s Day in which children appreciate their mothers’ special role in their lives. They suggested this in their famous column “Fikra” (Idea). Reader’s suggestions made them choose March 21, the first day of Spring, to celebrate Mother’s Day. The first Mother’s Day in Egypt was celebrated on March 21, 1956.
In view of the mother’s great role which has always been recognized by religions, called for by thinkers and men of letters, and declared by renowned personae despite difference in fields, we hereby show our deep respect to:
Every mother who endured pain, offered a lot, expecting nothing in return so much that she became like a burning candle that lights her children’s path.
Every mother who offered our country honest men who toil for prosperity and achievement.
Every mother whose son was martyred for the love of our fatherland, fearless of death.
The hearts of all mothers that know nothing but love, giving, and sacrifice.
Many happy returns to the mothers in Egypt and the four corners of earth. Mothers’ stories are lovely. Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
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