Mother’s Day: Honouring Love Beyond All Words

Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan

(himangshur1989@gmail.com)

Mother’s Day: Honouring love beyond all wordsMother’s Day is a day that transcends the boundaries of time, language, and culture. It is an annual celebration that honours mothers, motherhood, and the profound love that mothers bestow upon their children. Although the tradition of setting aside a day to honour mothers varies across cultures, the sentiment remains universal. In every part of the world, Mother’s Day serves as a reminder of the unconditional love, sacrifice, and selflessness that mothers embody.The origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where the act of honouring mother figures was embedded in religious and cultural practices. The modern version of Mother’s Day, however, was popularised by Anna Jarvis, an American woman who campaigned for a day to honour mothers following the death of her own mother in 1905. After years of tireless effort, Jarvis succeeded in convincing the United States to declare Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914, celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. This day has since become a global occasion, though its customs and celebrations vary from country to country.At its core, Mother’s Day serves as a powerful tribute to the extraordinary role mothers play in shaping society. From the moment of conception, a mother’s bond with her child is one of unparalleled strength. This connection is nurtured through nine months of pregnancy and then continuously strengthened by the demands of motherhood. It is a relationship built on care, patience, and resilience.

Mothers are the silent architects of their children’s lives, shaping their values, attitudes, and aspirations with their endless support and encouragement.The love a mother offers is often described as the purest form of love. It is an unwavering love that does not require words to be understood. From the moment a child is born, a mother’s devotion is evident in her every action. She sacrifices her own comfort and desires to ensure the well-being of her children. Whether it is losing sleep to care for a newborn, enduring the challenges of adolescence, or providing emotional support during adulthood, the love of a mother is relentless. This love is not bound by age or circumstance; it is a constant, unconditional presence in the lives of her children.Despite the often thankless nature of motherhood, the rewards are immeasurable. A mother’s joy is found not in material wealth but in the happiness and success of her children. This deep sense of fulfilment comes not from external recognition but from the quiet satisfaction of knowing that she has made a lasting impact on the life of another human being. Yet, even as they give so much, mothers often find themselves overlooked or underappreciated, especially in cultures that place little emphasis on their emotional labour. Mother’s Day, therefore, serves as an important reminder to acknowledge and appreciate all that mothers do. It is a chance to pause and reflect on their immeasurable contributions.

While Mother’s Day is a celebration of mothers, it is also a day of reflection for children of all ages. It is an opportunity to express gratitude and love, even in the smallest gestures. For some, it may mean writing a heartfelt card or giving a thoughtful gift. For others, it may be spending time together or simply offering a hug. These simple acts of kindness and appreciation go a long way in showing mothers how much they are cherished. It is a moment to acknowledge the depth of the bond between mother and child and to celebrate the extraordinary resilience of mothers in the face of adversity.The impact of a mother is not limited to the individual. The nurturing, guiding role of mothers extends to communities, societies, and entire nations. Mothers are the primary caregivers and teachers, instilling in their children the values of kindness, respect, and empathy. These values are carried forward into the broader world, influencing future generations. The lessons learnt from a mother’s wisdom and compassion form the foundation of a compassionate and just society. In this sense, mothers play a crucial role in the shaping of the future.In many societies, however, the idea of motherhood is often romanticised or idealised. There is an expectation that mothers must be selfless, constantly putting others’ needs before their own. While this reflects the tremendous sacrifices mothers make, it can also place undue pressure on them. Mothers, too, are human beings with their own desires, dreams, and challenges. On Mother’s Day, it is important to acknowledge not only the sacrifices made by mothers but also the importance of self-care and personal fulfilment. True honouring of mothers involves supporting them in every aspect of their lives, not just recognising their sacrifices but also celebrating their individuality, talents, and passions.For many people, Mother’s Day is bittersweet. For those who have lost their mothers, it is a day that brings a mix of gratitude and sorrow.

The loss of a mother is a deep and lasting wound, and while time may heal, the absence of a mother is something that is felt throughout life. On such occasions, memories of love, tenderness, and warmth resurface, serving as reminders of the irreplaceable bond that exists between a mother and her child. For others, Mother’s Day may highlight the challenges they have faced in their relationships with their mothers, leading to complex feelings of both gratitude and resentment. However, even in the most difficult circumstances, the role of mothers cannot be denied. They shape us, challenge us, and teach us, even when the relationship is fraught with difficulties.The celebration of Mother’s Day also extends beyond the biological mother. It acknowledges all the women who have taken on maternal roles in various forms—grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, and women who have mentored and nurtured others. These women, too, deserve recognition for the care and love they provide to children, often without the traditional recognition or celebration. It is essential to recognise that the act of mothering can be carried out by anyone who chooses to step into that nurturing role, regardless of biological ties.In today’s fast-paced world, with the stresses of modern life, it is easy to take mothers for granted. They juggle multiple roles—carer, homemaker, breadwinner, teacher, and emotional anchor. Despite the significant advancements in gender equality and the increasing number of women in the workforce, the emotional and physical burdens of motherhood remain disproportionately heavy.

On Mother’s Day, we have the opportunity to acknowledge these burdens, offering support and ensuring that the weight of responsibility is shared.As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we must remember that the love of a mother is not limited to one day of the year. It is an enduring force that transcends time and space, a force that shapes who we are and who we will become. To truly honour mothers, we must do more than celebrate them on a designated day; we must carry forward their values, their lessons, and their love in our daily lives. We must ensure that the sacrifices they make are not forgotten and that their voices are heard.Mother’s Day, then, is a day of gratitude and reflection. It is a chance to honour not only the mothers in our lives but also the countless women who play nurturing roles in society. It is a reminder that the love of a mother is beyond measure and that the impact of her presence reverberates through generations. It is a day to acknowledge that, no matter where we are in life, the love of a mother is a constant that grounds us and provides the foundation for all that we do.In honouring mothers, we also honour the very essence of humanity—love, compassion, and the nurturing spirit that binds us all together. On this Mother’s Day, let us express our gratitude in ways that go beyond words, understanding that the love of a mother is the most profound gift one can receive. It is a love that knows no bounds, and it is through this love that we are shaped, supported, and guided throughout our lives.