By Katherine Krakhmal

Have you ever noticed how a mother often has angel-like features? Look at her gentle smile as she cuddles her baby, or her soft hands as she holds him…yet her superhuman endurance and valiant courage is constantly present to come to the aid of her child at a moment’s notice.

Ukrainians really believe that mothers are the guardian angels of their homes. Their love never fades nor dies. An old Ukrainian proverb states: “The highest love is the love of God; the best love is the love of a mother.”

The second Sunday of May is Mother’s Day in Ukraine. It is said that it was during the month of May that the Blessed Virgin Mary blessed her son to pursue His mission, and so it is befitting that all mothers be honoured in May as well.

On this day every child, regardless of age, congratulates his or her mother, presents her with spring flowers, and gratefully kisses her hands. Some Ukrainians believe this custom takes root in May Flower celebrations. Officially, however, Mother’s Day was first organized by the Ukranian Women of Halychyna in 1886. Later, in 1929, it was popularized by Olena Kirilivska, the famous editor of the weekly paper ‘Woman’s Fate.” As unstable times arouse, Mother’s Day celebrations faded from Ukrainians’ minds. It was only on the 10th of May of 1999 that Ukranian President Leonid Kuchma signed an official Mother’s Day Celebration Decree commemorating that special day.

The Mothers Day holiday has become very popular in Western Ukraine. Every 10th of May Ukrainians usually organize evenings events, exhibitions and concerts devoted to mothers.  The main goal is to honour all Ukrainian mothers no matter how far away they might be.

To honour the Woman/Mother figure is an old tradition in Ukraine. She is considered the protector of the hearth and the home. No wonder that even the word “Mother” evokes feelings of warmth and security in the minds of all Ukrainians. Figuratively, the Woman/Mother figure not only represents she who gives life to a chid, but also symbolizes the Blessed Virgin Mary, protector of the country, and Ukraine itself–the Motherland.

Year after year, Mother’s Day becomes more popular among Ukrainians, as they celebrate the love they feel for their own mothers, the Blessed Virgin and their country.

“Вітаю з Днем Матері!”