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It
has been more than 52 years since the royal wedding on April 28,
1950 of Majesties King Bhumiphol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.
Her Majesty's selfless dedication has since been evident and
appreciated by her subjects throughout the nation. On October
22, 1956 when His Majesty entered the monkhood. Queen Sirikit,
the second Queen of the Chakri Dynasty, was appointed Queen
Regent.
Despite
her high office as queen of the nation. Her Majesty, when free
from official funditions, is a mother highly regarded by her
children. She brought them up in the mold of traditional Thai
values in which the junior pay respect to the elder, obey their
seniors and learn to be self-sufficient. The benevolence of Her
Majesty the Queen bostowed on her subjects, including those
living in remote rural areas, explains the love she has earned
from her people who regard her as Mother of the Populace. Thus,
August 12, more than just the day the nation celebrates Her
Majesty's birthday, it is also observed as National Mother's Day.
Premier
General P. Pibulasongkram first introduced Mother's Day to
Thailand in 1950 when the day was celebrated on April 15. On
this day, a religious ceremony was held alongside a National
Mother contest and Mother's Day Slogan competition. In 1976,
however, April 15 was replaced by Her Majesty the Queen's
birthday on August 12.
Today,
while jasmine, symbolic of the selfless virtue of a mother who
gives life to her children, is seen everywhere. National flags
decorate buildings to wish Her Majesty many happy returns of the
day and a long life. Charitable activities, food offering to
monks and donations are part of the events of the day to express
children's gratitiude to every mother. |
