International Mother-in-Law Day (23/10)

Every fourth Sunday in October, the world celebrates the unusual, but also, undoubtedly, favorite holiday of any son-in-law – International Mother-in-Law Day. Although it does not have official status, it is very popular in many countries. Originating in the 1930s in the United States as a joke (according to one version, – as an alternative to Mother's Day), subsequently, every year, it gained more and more fans, including in other English-speaking countries.

According to a number of sources, this Day began to be celebrated in 1934 with the «-light hand» of the editor of the Texas newspaper Amarillo Globe-News, Gene Howe, who spoke in his publication about this «joke», drawing a parallel with such respected holidays as Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Stating that Mother-in-Law – is the second mother, he noted that it would be fair for all mothers-in-law to have their own «professional» holiday. This joke took root, and soon the holiday was celebrated with pleasure not only by residents of the United States, but also by some countries of Latin America, and then Europe.

At first, Mother-in-Law Day was celebrated in the spring, but then its date moved to the fourth Sunday in October. Traditionally, it is celebrated, of course, in the family circle. In Russia, the holiday became known not so long ago and has not yet become widespread, which is a pity…

After all, this is a very useful holiday –, first of all, it is designed to improve relations between two important family members, mother-in-law and son-in-law, whose hostility towards each other and enmity have long become the reason for jokes (at best, and at worst – leads to the breakup of families).

It is no secret that without establishing a relationship with your mother-in-law from the very beginning, you do not have to wait for peace in the family. Men know that in her person you can make an enemy for many years. Therefore, if you (men) want to get a friend and assistant, including in raising your children (her grandchildren), then treat this woman with respect and due respect. However, extreme cases cannot be ruled out when it is almost impossible to build a normal relationship between mother-in-law and son-in-law.

According to psychologists, son-in-law-mother-in-law conflicts – are a normal phenomenon, because these two people are completely strangers to each other, and in addition there is a big difference between them in age, upbringing, interests... But there is still something that unites them – woman – for one – wife, for the second – daughter, who is forced or happy to act as a mediator between these two sides of the dialogue/conflict. Therefore, if both sides love this «mediator», they must find a compromise.

Although a number of men are of the opinion that the happiest man on earth – is the biblical Adam – he never had a mother-in-law... But, in any case, I would like to quote eloquent everyday proverbs from Dahl’s dictionary: «A mother-in-law has a son-in-law – beloved son» or «One child born – daughter, and another betrothed – son-in-law».

Meanwhile, honoring your mother-in-law in many countries around the world has an ancient tradition. For example, the tribes inhabiting the territory of modern America had a special relationship with their mothers-in-law, and the son-in-law, without permission, had no right to speak, approach her, or touch her things. But the mother-in-law, in turn, also had no right to interfere in the affairs of her son-in-law and give him advice.

By the way, linguists explain the origin of the Russian word «mother-in-law» as a derivative of the word «father» or «parent», that is, she is a – «parent». And some language researchers believe that the Russian word «mother-in-law» comes from the verb «comfort».

Therefore, when celebrating today's holiday, men, do not skimp on compliments and gifts to your mother-in-law, be attentive and friendly towards her. And most importantly, remember that in front of you is a real woman who raised your wife’s precious treasure – for you, who taught her to be a wonderful mistress, a faithful wife and a caring mother.



Postcard «International Mother-in-Law Day» Story «How a brother-in-law's mother-in-law made «gold»

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