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Today, September 8, we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or in short, the birth of Mama Mary. Her exact birth date is unknown but according to the earliest writings about her life from the “Protoevangelium of James,” dating as far back as the 2nd century AD, Mama Mary's mother was St. Anne and her father was Joachim, a member of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

So, it was only later on decided that Mama Mary's birthday will be celebrated every September 8, nine months after we celebrate the Immaculate Conception on December 8.

The Immaculate Conception is often confused with the Jesus's conception in Mary's womb, but that is actually the Annunciation, celebrated every March 25.

The Immaculate Conception is the moment that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. And it is only fitting that we celebrate Mama Mary's birth on September 8, nine months after we commemorate her conception.

The birth of Mama Mary is one of the three nativities celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church, with the other two being Jesus Christ's birthday on December 25 (Christmas Day), and St. John the Baptist's birthday on June 24.

The Blessed Virgin Mary / Source: cbcpnews.net

The Philippines is proudly the only Christian nation in Asia, with Catholics making up 86 percent of the population. This is why special and important feasts observed by Filipino Catholics have been declared as holidays in the country, including Mama Mary's birthday.

It was proclaimed as a special working holiday on December 27, 2018 through House Bill No. 7856 and also through Republic Act No. 11370 on August 13, 2019.

In the Philippines, Mama Mary's birthday is celebrated by attending Mass, praying the Holy Rosary, and going on a pilgrimage to one of the many Marian shrines in the country.

While these are the traditional ways that Pinoy Catholics commemorate the birth of Mama Mary, many will probably be surprised to know that other countries celebrate her birthday differently, as it also coincides with other historical or cultural events in their country.

Find out how other parts of the world celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary below.

France

In France, Mama Mary's birthday coincides with the feast of the Our Lady of the Grapes Harvest. Aside from the world-famous Eiffel Tower, France is also known as a wine-making country. So, every year on September 8, they celebrate and give thanks to Mama Mary for a good harvest. They do this by bringing the finest grapes they harvested to local churches, where they are then blessed and placed on the hands of statues of Mary.

India

In India, the harvest season celebration called Monti Fest is also observed on September 8, the same day as the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. Indian families often celebrate a bountiful harvest by gathering for lunch and feasting on a number of vegetarian dishes. In the city of Mangaluru, Marian devotees would also do a nine-day novena followed by a hearty feast, blessing of grains, and offering flowers to a statue of the Baby Mary.

Italy

To celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Mama Mary, a wax image of Her as a baby called Maria Bambina was introduced to Catholics for veneration by Bishop Alberico Simonetta in 1738. It is believed to be miraculous and small versions of the Maria Bambina are actually given as gifts to newlyweds in Italy.

Malta

In Malta, Mama Mary's birthday is celebrated at the same time as three important victories for their county, which all occurred on September 8. Hence, the celebration is called the Feast of Our Lady of Victories. Believe it or not, Maltese soldiers defeated invaders three times throughout history all on September 8: the Ottoman invaders in 1565; the French in 1800; and the German and Italian forces in 1942 during the World War II. To commemorate these victories, a festive boat race is held every year on September 8 at the Grand Harbor.

Quite interesting how other countries celebrate the birth of Mama Mary, right? Let us know how you plan to celebrate Mama Mary's birthday today in the comment section.

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

You might also want to read about the origins of other interesting holidays such as the colorful Dia de los Muertos and the inspiring origin of World Rose Day.