As Mother’s Day approaches in the Philippines, it makes us curious about any special quirks and traditions associated with this occasion. We did some research and came across a fascinating information about this holiday! In this article, we will explore the details of Mother’s Day in the Philippines, particularly, when should we really celebrate it?
Historically, in the Philippines, Mother’s Day was celebrated on the first Monday of December, a tradition that started in the 1920s and continued for several decades. However, presently, Mother’s Day is celebrated by everyone in the Philippines on the second Sunday of May. Interestingly, legally, the holiday is still designated for December, but in true Filipino fashion, there was a lot of controversy and indecisiveness surrounding the final date selection for Mother’s Day.
In 1980, former President Ferdinand Marcos declared the first Monday of December as both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in the Philippines. However, the next president, Cory Aquino, changed the dates to align with the American tradition, which has Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May and Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. Nevertheless, former President Joseph Estrada reinstated the first Monday of December as Mother’s Day in 1998.
As a result of the Philippines’ diverse cultural mix, influenced by American colonialism, Mother’s Day now coincides with that of the United States and Canada. Legally, Mother’s Day is still supposed to be in December, and there has been no new proclamation since.
(L-R) Celebrity moms Saab Magalona, Former VP Leni Robredo, Anne Curtis-Smith, and Andi Eigenmann embracing motherhood! *Photo credits from respective Instagram accounts.Mothers are regarded as the foundation and heart of the household in nearly every culture, and this holds true in the Philippines as well. They are referred to as “ilaw ng tahanan,” which translates to “light of the house” in Filipino. This is a testament to the Filipino culture’s appreciation for the kindness, generosity, and guiding light that mothers provide to their families. It’s a beautiful way to describe any mother!
In conclusion, the Philippines honors mothers in a unique way, recognizing them as the light that illuminates the home. This shows that the role of a mother is highly valued and respected in Filipino culture!