Seen above world number one search engine, Google is celebrating by displaying an image in .gif format on its search engine.

Not only that, when image is clicked, user will be directed to see animations and games.

Games that are seen are a kind of writing a letter to say Mother Day which can then be shared on social media platforms (medsos).

Historically, Mother Day began in United States which was celebrated for first time in 1908.

The celebration began with a woman named Anna Jarvis who made a memorial moment and remembers her mother death in Grafton, West Virginia.

The steps to establish Mother Day are quite long, because in 1908, United States with Congress that was so against Mother Day proposal to be declared a national holiday.

However, Mother Day was only designated as a national holiday in United States in 1911. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson also declared Mother Day a national holiday by signing declaration.

In Indonesia, Mother Day is also celebrated annually on December 22nd. As for official, President Soekarno.

It is also based on Decree of President of Republic of Indonesia No. 316 of 1959 dated 16 December 1959, on 25th anniversary of 1928 Indonesian Women Congress.

The date was chosen to celebrate spirit of Indonesian women and to raise awareness of nation and state. Now, meaning of Mother Day has changed a lot, where day is now commemorated by expressing love for mothers.

Indonesia’s national motto is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which translates to “Unity in Diversity.” Today’s Doodle artwork highlights diversity that shapes a united Indonesia with illustrations such as Sumatran Tiger and Rafflesia Arnoldii flower (which has world largest bloom), just a few examples of abundant variety of fauna and flora indigenous to archipelago.

Also featured in artwork is a depiction of Panjat Pinang, one of holiday’s most popular games that requires teams to work together to reach top of a slippery pole and claim prizes. More than just a game, Panjat Pinang embodies spirit of gotong royong (“mutual assistance”) and emphasizes importance of Indonesian unity.

Here’s to lifting each other up. Happy Independence Day, Indonesia!

Guest Artist Q&A with Martcellia Liunic

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Jakarta-based guest artist Martcellia Liunic. Below, she shares her thoughts behind making of this Doodle:

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?

A: Because I’ve lived in Indonesia my whole life!

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: Knowing that Independence Day is one biggest national holidays celebrated in Indonesia, I thought of how we usually decorate our neighbourhoods with festive and national flags, as well as hold friendly competitions, parades, and a flag ceremony, with national anthem being sung throughout day.

I wanted to portray not just these festivities in my illustration for Doodle, but also importance of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” which means “unity in diversity.” As one of most ethnically diverse societies, Indonesia consists of 1,300 ethnic groups, with at least 95 percent native to archipelago. So I also aimed to portray Indonesia’s natural beauty with mountains, sea, and some of its remarkable animals like Sumatran Tiger and Rafflesia Arnoldii Flower.

Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: That Indonesia is beautiful, diverse, and festive, just like my colorful illustration! (*)