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Mothers' Day &/or Mother's Day
It was when I had my first
child that I understood how much my mother loved me.
EFL/ESL Activities for Mother's Day at bottom of page
Mother's Day (in the U.S.A.) is the second Sunday in May. In 2008, Mother's Day will be May 11. Origin of U.S. Mothers' Day: Probably, mid May was chosen, because most women who become mothers, become mothers in Spring. Either that, or, Spring is symbolic of the generation of live (or perhaps I should say, "regeneration of life"). To learn more about the actual history of how it became a national holiday in the U.S.A., American Mothers' Day Traditions: Traditions include giving flowers to one's mother, cooking all the meals if still living with one's mother; or taking her out for dinner if not living with her. Giving Mothers' Day cards is very common, as well. Some people make their own cards, and write sentimental things.
I hate that word 'worship'. It is so misunderstood. In the original, or, first definition of the word (from Merriam-Webster's Online Unabridged Dictionary) we see that the word 'worship' is being used correctly (above). Merriam-Webster's definition #1: "1 a archaic : HONOR, REPUTE, CREDIT b archaic : DIGNITY, IMPORTANCE, RANK c sometimes capitalized, chiefly Britain : a person of standing or importance -- used as a title or mode of address especially for holders of various high offices <his Worship the Sheriff -- Max Peacock>". HOWEVER, when we use the word 'worship' nowadays, we tend to employ the second (more "modern") definition: "2 : the reverence or veneration tendered a divine being or supernatural power; also : an act, process, or instance of expressing such veneration by performing or taking part in religious exercises or ritual <all worship is an effort of the individual to realize ... the real presence of the Divine -- W.W.Comfort>". BECAUSE of polysemy (multiple meanings for one given word of one single origin), IT ALL GETS SO CONFUSING! When scientists say or write things like "ancestor worship" or "mother worship", they are NOT employing the second definition of worship. They are employing the first definition. In ASIA, ancestors are venerated, honored, and yes, even fed (Korea: sacrificial offerings to the ancestors on the anniversary of their passing), or paid (China; sacrificial burning of paper money to one's ancestors on New Years Eve). But, that does not mean that their ancestors are revered as deities. Likewise, with ancient artifacts that celebrate motherhood, it would be foolish to assume that the artifacts represent some sort of deification of women. On the other hand, it is clear that motherhood was honored. The fact is: Mother's Day may be older than history. Prehistoric artifacts, such as the one shown above indicate that motherhood was revered greatly by our ancestors. For more info: check it.
ESL/EFL Activities for Mothers' Day. To ESL/EFL Teachers: First of all, you need to find out when Mothers' Day is in the country wherein you teach. Korea has no Mothers' Day, but there is a Parent's Day, sometime in May (as is Children's Day and Teachers' Day). China's Mothers' Day is the same as the American one. Secondly, you need to adapt your lesson to the level of your students: If teaching children, have them make Mothers' Day cards in English. You may have to tell them what to write. A good one is: "Roses are red, Violets are blue, Sugar is sweet and I love you."
If teaching older children, have them make a poem of their own. If teaching adults, have them discuss Mother's Day traditions, in their respective countries. You could also, suggest they pay for one month of English lessons for their mother as a Mothers' Day gift. (Ha, ha, ha). If teaching business persons, you could have them discuss the way to commercialize and capitalize upon Mothers' Day.
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