In world of uncertainty, one factor remains constant: Mother’s Love.

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Government leaders today are honoring mothers on their day — as children young and old show their love with flowers, candy, and a day dedicated to the women who sacrifice for others.

Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”

Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service.

While versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated worldwide, traditions vary depending on the country. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Sirikit.

Another alternate observance of Mother’s Day can be found in Ethiopia, where families gather each fall to sing songs and eat a large feast as part of Antrosht, a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood.

In the United States, Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated by presenting mothers and other women with gifts and flowers, and it has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending. Families also celebrate by giving mothers a day off from activities like cooking or other household chores.

At times, Mother’s Day has also been a date for launching political or feminist causes. In 1968 Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King, Jr., used Mother’s Day to host a march in support of underprivileged women and children. In the 1970s women’s groups also used the holiday as a time to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare.

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga issued the following statement honoring mothers:

The profound and enduring impact of a Mother’s Love continues to shape generations. Motherhood is among the most complex and demanding work imaginable. The pivotal role of being a mother is a divine mission assigned by God to women alone, as Mothers grant us the greatest gift of all- life.

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers. It reminds us of the many and varied shapes
of relationships that make up women’s lives. Today, we honor the roles
of Mother’s at home, their work in business, and their contributions to society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mothers have been on the frontlines in various professions of public service. Their duties do not end at work but continue at home. We have watched in astonishment as Mothers go about their everyday lives with strength, determination and in constant service of others.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate and honor all the extraordinary women who have nurtured, guided, supported and loved us unconditionally- our mothers and motherly figures. While we can never repay our Mothers or adequately express our gratitude, I pray for infinite blessings in all aspects of their daily lives and that they be surrounded by love, happiness, and joy this day and always.

I encourage all to take time to recognize a mother or motherly figure who has significantly influenced your life. Let us renew our commitment to honoring these remarkable women throughout the year.

On behalf of Lieutenant Governor Talauega and our families, we wish all the Mothers of American Samoa both here and abroad a Blessed Mother’s Day!

AMATA: MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR MOTHERS

Your efforts and love as mothers make a difference throughout your children’s entire lifetimes, and your children bring you great joy.

In American Samoa, mothers are blessed with support from their aiga, church and community, while we continue to work for resources to enhance our schools and health facilities that provide support to our families.

To all of you, the mothers in our community, thank you for all you do, and feel your family’s love. Have a happy Mother’s Day!