global day of parents: readings
DESCRIPTION
Readings for the UN Global Day of Parents, June 1, UPF recalls the purposes and principles of the United Nations as set forth in its Charter, expressing resolve to promote social progress and better standards of living in larger freedom, with a view to the creation of conditions of stability and well-being. UPF recognizes that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children and that the children, for the full and harmonious development of their personality, should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, harmony, love, and understanding. UPF is aware of the role of parents everywhere as the primary caregivers and teachers of their children, setting the foundation for success in life. It also recognizes that parenthood requires sacrifice, steadfast love and support, and a commitment to the education of children, our most precious resource for the future. UPF is appreciative of parents of every race, religion, nationality, and culture the world over for their commitment and acknowledges that parents are the anchors of the family, the cornerstone of society, Conscious of the fact that the task of good, responsible parenting is of immeasurable importance to promote social and sustainable development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals, UPF encourages Member States, government officials, religious leaders, academe, and members of civil society to celebrate the Global Day of Parents each year, honoring parents throughout the world, recognizing that we form one global family.TRANSCRIPT
GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTSReadings
UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/66/292 established June 1 as the Global Day of Parents, to be observed annually honoring parents throughout the world.
The resolution invites Member States to celebrate the day in partnership with civil society, in particular involving young people and children.
UPF honors parents as the anchors of the family and the cornerstone of society.
• The family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children.
• For the full and harmonious development of their personality, children should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, harmony, love, and understanding.
• Parents are the primary caregivers and teachers of their children, setting the foundation for success in life.
• Parenthood requires sacrifice, steadfast love and support, and a commitment to the education of children, our most precious resource.
My father, thank you for petting me; My mother, thank you for making me comfortable; Thank you for robing me with wisdom, which is more important than robing me with clothes. Slaves will minister unto you; Servants will be your helpers. Children which I shall bear will minister unto you.
- Yoruba Nuptial Chant (Nigeria)
African Traditional Religions
Those who wish to be born in [the Pure Land] of Buddha... should act filially towards their parents and support them, and should serve and respect their teachers and elders.
– Meditation on Buddha Amitayus 27
Buddhism
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.
– Ephesians 6:1-3
Christianity
Now filial piety is the root of all virtue, and the stem out of which grows all moral teaching... Our bodies--to every hair and bit of skin--are received by us from our parents, and we must not presume to injure or wound them: this is the beginning of filial piety. When we have established our character by the practice of the filial course, so as to make our name famous in future ages, and thereby glorify our parents: this is the end of filial piety. It commences with the service of parents; it proceeds to the service of the ruler; it is completed by the establishment of [good] character.
– Classic on Filial Piety 1
Confucianism
See the divine in your mother, father, Teacher, and guest.
- Taittiriya Upanishad
Hinduism
One companion asked, "O Apostle of God! Who is the person worthiest of my consideration?" He replied, "Your mother." He asked again, "And second to my mother?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The companion insisted, "And then?" The Messenger of God said, "After your mother, your father."
– Hadith of Bukhari and Muslim
Thy Lord has decreed... that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your lifetime, do not say to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, "My Lord! bestow on them Thy mercy even as they cherished me in childhood."
- Qur'an 17.23
Islam
Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
– Exodus 20.12 There are three partners in man, God, father,
and mother. When a man honors his father and mother, God says, "I regard it as though I had dwelt among them and they had honored me."
- Talmud, Kiddushin 30b
Judaism
Do not despise the breath of your fathers, But draw it into your body. That our roads may reach to where the life-giving road of our sun father comes out, That, clasping one another tight, Holding one another fast, We may finish our roads together; That this may be, I add to your breath now. To this end: May my father bless you with life; May your road reach to Dawn Lake, May your road be fulfilled.
– Zuni Prayer
Native American Religions
Son, why do you quarrel with your father, Due to him you have grown to this age? It is a sin to argue with him.
– Adi Granth, Sarang, M.4, p. 1200
Sikhism