Day of the Mommies

Even us rather unenlightened Norte Americanos -- no, not a Trump joke, but clearly it could be! -- are comfortable with the notion of the Day of the Dead. Likely most of us bear the burden of the fact that our thoughts turn first to zombiesque contemplations, but nonetheless, we accept the wonder of what stands behind the Latino/a qua Hispanic notion that our relatives past are worth remembering. They even get hungry for our attention.

But such is not the case for the respect our friends and family members of the Spanish traditions give to their mommies via Mother’s Day. Though a nice-sounding recognition for those who carry much of the nurturing and household burdens, gringos of various flavors prefer it commercialized as a Sunday off, perhaps so mom can cook. Makes it easier also to ensure that some get a break from regular religious doctrine, and it doesn’t interfere with our work schedules, including moms'. USAmericanos love to cash-in on such logic.

But Latino/as see if more uniquely. The love and admiration of the festival is grander and they pay it respect by anchoring it to the date of May 10th, similar to what they do with that the Dia de Muertos, though that reaches across October 31 through November 1 and 2 to accommodate cultural enclaves. All of which makes the case for accepting that it might well behove us to let them rename their pride for a Dia de Madre -- a Day of Mothers (Mommies Rule!). 

Respect comes as respect is deserved. This Spanish cultural pattern gets little recognition because most people in the commercialized Americas have given up on the importance of celebrations without money value. This goes with why so many of us have holidays and paid days off but don't use them. Perhaps if we took some time, on a given day, we might collectively see that certain symbols are truly the mother of unity.

Happy dia de madre, Reyna!