By Aunindita Bhatia

Mother’s day is a celebration that is carried out throughout the world as a tribute to mothers for all the support and love they always give. Mother’s day traditions vary from one country to another, depending on the origin of this celebration in that particular country.

Many countries celebrate Mother’s day during May, on the second Sunday of the month. But others don’t. Indonesia for example, celebrates Mother’s Day on the 22nd of December of every year. It seems that the origin of the ‘Hari Ibu’ is not in any way dependent on the American or European traditions.

Mother’s day or the ‘Hari Ibu’ in Indonesia, does not only celebrate mothers, but also all women in general, and this festivity owes its origins to the first All-Indonesian Women’s Congress that was held on the 22nd December in 1928.

This congress was very important in the history of Indonesia, since it helped in achieving the country’s independence from the Dutch. Apart from this, the meeting’s intention was to put women in a better position in society, and give them freedom from the shackles that were keeping them strained during the colonial period.

This is the reason why the ‘Hari Ibu’ in Indonesia is a special celebration that is unique in its origins, and celebrated in a different manner from other countries around the globe. ‘Hari Ibu’ is about the all-important theme of freedom and democracy for women. It is about empowering the women that will build a stronger society in the future.

Although it is customary to send gifts of flowers and cards, Indonesians recognize the key function fo the mother/woman in the family. Many seminars and meetings are organized on Mother’s Day which celebrates women’s development in the modern world and women’s empowerment.

Hari Ibu!