“Every mother is a real mother, given for happiness and joy, true and unique, for all your life,” wrote the famous Slovenian poet Tone Pavček. We were especially aware of the latter on Tuesday, when we celebrated Mother’s Day, which is a day to show our gratitude to the one and only woman in our lives who gave us life.
Mothers are the most important people in everyone’s lives, providing support, warmth and encouragement when we need it most by showing unconditional love, sacrifice and care. And, of course, they are with us when we rejoice and when we reach important milestones in our lives.
Many women, after the birth of a child, realise what the greatest love in the world really is, and that is the love one has for their child. For there is nothing that a mother is not willing to do for the well-being of her child. That is why we often hear many mothers say that motherhood is the most beautiful mission in life. It is especially beautiful in light of the fact that motherhood is by no means a given.
The celebration of Mother’s Day spread to Europe from the USA, where they have been celebrating this important day since 1910. According to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), the celebration of Mother’s Day in Europe, which involves visiting parents and giving presents to mothers, originated in England. Mother’s Day is celebrated on different days in different countries, but in Slovenia, it is celebrated on the 25th of March, which is also the Feast of the Annunciation, which commemorates the visit of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth.
No future without children
Since there is no future without children, it would be good for society to spread awareness of the importance of motherhood as a supreme value. But the undermining of the importance of motherhood over time and the elevation of other values, including through the spread of ideologies, has led to unenviable consequences. Demographic indicators on the old continent have been more than alarming for some time. Slovenia, of course, is no exception.
The latest figures from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia (SURS) show that the number of children born in 2023 was the lowest in the 102-year history of tracking births in our country. Unfortunately, provisional figures for last year also show that the number of births will be among the lowest on record. However, by respecting mothers, spreading awareness of the importance of motherhood and encouraging young people to start a family, the trend can, of course, be reversed. But we need to roll up our sleeves as soon as possible, lest it be too late. Without children, it is also impossible to achieve the desired prosperity.
So let us not forget that there is only one mother. As Pavček said: “There is only one mother, and she is our first joy, our first song, and our first word: mother!”
Below, you can read some Mother’s Day greetings from famous Slovenians:
Member of the European Parliament from the Slovenian Democratic Party (Slovenska demokratska stranka – SDS), Romana Tomc, wrote: “’That is when my mother laughs out loud and lifts me high up in the air: you are my darling, she tells me, and gives me a kiss. Then I give her a kiss, and we are happy. My mother and I. (M. Miklavčič: On mothers).’ Dear mothers! To those of you who are still with us and those who are not here anymore. Thank you!”
Poet Feri Lainšček published his song about mothers, while MEP Milan Zver wrote on X: “Dear mothers, today is your day – a day of love, warmth and immeasurable strength. You are the ones who, with your care, patience and heart, are shaping the future of generations to come. Thank you for all the encouraging words and the immeasurable love you selflessly give to your children, to your close ones. I hope today will be a day filled with gratitude and respect for all that you do. Thank you for everything!”
Another SDS MEP, Branko Grims, wrote: “Motherhood is the most beautiful and important mission of a woman! To all mothers, to all who will become mothers and to all who wish to be mothers, congratulations on Mother’s Day!”
Doctor Alenka Forte published a short message on Facebook, writing: “To all mums on this holiday – congratulations on Mother’s Day. Thank you for everything! Mine is no longer with us, but she is in my heart and always with me!”
And the Slovenian Democratic Party wrote on its profile on X: “On this Mother’s Day, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all mothers. Your love, dedication and immeasurable strength are the foundation of your family and an inspiration to all those around you. Thank you for every moment of support, understanding and warmth you selflessly share. Let today be an opportunity to show gratitude and respect to all mothers who shape the future with their love. Happy Mother’s Day!”
A. H.
