13) Reading 2
Read the passage and answer the questions below:
The concept of Mother’s Day is neither new nor modern. Actually, as far back as the ancient Egyptians, a day was chosen to honor the mother of the pharaohs. In addition, the Romans and the early Christians also honored mothers; eventually Christians in England named this holiday “Mothering Sunday.”
In America, Mother’s Day eventually arose out of the US Civil War. In 1908 Anna M. Jarvis wanted to honor her peace-loving mother by having a Mother’s Day celebration in her local West Virginian church. So, every mother at the church received two carnation flowers. These were Anna’s dead mother’s favorite flowers. To this day carnations are flowers associated with Mother’s Day in the US. In 1914, Mother’s Day was made an official national celebration for the second Sunday in May every year. Nowadays New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Ireland celebrate Mother’s Day on the same day as the Americans. In all of these countries, sons and daughters traditionally give their mothers cards, flowers or other gifts.
However, you would be wrong if you believed that Mother’s Day was only celebrated in English speaking countries. For example, in China Mother’s Day is celebrated as part of their cultural respect for their elders, including their parents. Poor mothers are given support during this celebration and successful mothers are recognized
Mother’s Day also exists in India and has become at least as commercialized as it is in the US. For example, companies release new products on Mother’s Day and restaurants try to attract extra customers on Mother’s Day – as well as the usual giving and receiving of cards and flowers. In Mexico children also give their mothers flowers and handmade cards on the day called Dia de las Madres (Mother’s Day). Schools give performances to honor mothers as part of this day of national celebration (May 10th).
Wherever you go in the world mothers are respected. In fact, the US President, George Washington, said “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.” This is a convincing argument for the importance of Mother’s Day.
In which year did the U.S. Congress assign the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day?