"As a Latina mother, I cherish the fact that my children dedicate at least one day a year to celebrate and pamper me. Living in the U.S., I am fortunate enough to experience this twice," states a pastry chef from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Susana Garcia, a Mexican immigrant and mother of three, shares an experience common among many Latina mothers in May, when Mexico and some Central American countries celebrate Mother's Day on the 10th, and the U.S. observes it on the second Sunday.
"Typically, my husband gives me gifts and takes me out to dinner on May 10th, and my children spoil me the following Sunday. They usually make me breakfast, proving that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in our house," Garcia explains.
Día de las Madres and Mother's Day essentially refer to the same holiday, celebrated to honor mothers and motherhood. The main difference lies in the language and the specific cultural context in which each term is used.
Mother's Day is the term primarily used in English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and others, to celebrate the occasion.
While Mother's Day in the U.S. can be traced back to the efforts of activist Anna Jarvis in 1908, the Department of State notes that the holiday began with mothers advocating for world peace. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration of "all the hard work moms do every day."
Bridging the historical roots of Mother's Day with the contemporary demographics of the United States, there's a tapestry of maternal recognition that spans across time and cultures.
From the early advocacy for peace to the present-day acknowledgment of maternal efforts, the evolution of Mother's Day mirrors the changing face of America.
As millions reflect on the origins of this holiday, it's also needed to turn attention to the significant Latina population in the U.S., where nearly half are women, many of whom are mothers. This demographic shift underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse ways in which Mother's Day is observed and the unique contributions of Latina mothers to the fabric of American society.
According to US Census data, there are 62.5 million Latinos residing in the country, with women constituting 49% of this population. This means there are over 30.6 million Latina or Hispanic women in the U.S. Within this demographic, 61% of Latinas aged 15 to 44 are mothers, a figure that increases with age, as reported by HSNews.
With these numbers, it's not surprising that, as reported by TelevisaUnivision, the double celebration among millions of Latino households in the U.S. results in Mother's Day being the largest card-sending occasion for Latinos in the country, surpassing both Christmas and Valentine's Day. In general, 133 million cards are sent on Mother's Day, says the Department of State.
The holiday also marks the occasion when many Hispanics send the most money home, especially to Mexico, which has experienced a surge in remittances recently, reaching a record $63 billion in 2023.
Main Differences
There are two main differences between Día de las Madres and Mother's Day:
- Date:
- Día de las Madres is always celebrated on May 10th, regardless of the day of the week.
- Mother's Day in the United States is observed on the second Sunday of May, meaning the date varies each year.
- Cultural Significance:
- In Mexico, Día de las Madres is a significant event, marked by family gatherings, special meals, and sometimes church services.
- While both holidays honor mothers, Día de las Madres is often characterized by more vibrant and elaborate festivities.
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