The History of Mother’s Day: A Tribute to Motherhood
- by shiva singh
- 4 min reading time
Mother's Day is a global celebration commemorating and respecting the love, sacrifices, and role of mothers. Though now it's linked with flowers, presents, and messages, its tradition goes back many centuries, undergoing different cultures and traditions. From ancient to contemporary, the history of Mother's Day portrays the love for motherhood around the globe.
Ancient Origins of Mother’s Day
The concept of honoring mothers has deep roots in history. Several ancient civilizations celebrated mother goddesses, recognizing their nurturing and life-giving qualities.
Ancient Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece, individuals revered Rhea as the mother of gods such as Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. The festivities consisted of great feasts and offerings made to celebrate her maternal spirit. Likewise, the Romans held celebrations of Magna Mater (Great Mother) or Cybele, a great mother goddess. The festival, called Hilaria, was celebrated during the month of March in the form of processions, games, and sacrifices.
Early Christian Influence
In the early Christian period, a festival known as Mothering Sunday appeared in England and other parts of Europe. It was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent and urged individuals to go to their "mother church" and stay with family. It became a more individualistic celebration where children paid tribute to their mothers with flowers and tokens of gratitude.
The Birth of Modern Mother’s Day
Though the ancient customs paved the way for celebrating mothers, the contemporary form of Mother's Day was created in the United States during the early 20th century. Anna Jarvis, an American campaigner, deserves the credit for making Mother's Day a recognized holiday.
Anna Jarvis and the Mother’s Day Movement
Anna Jarvis was motivated by her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had formed "Mother's Day Work Clubs" during the American Civil War. The clubs sought to enhance health conditions and deliver aid to the soldiers. Ann Jarvis also preached for "Mothers' Friendship Day" for the sake of peace after the war.
Following her mother's death in 1905, Anna Jarvis wished to establish a national holiday to commemorate mothers' sacrifices. She never relented from writing letters, campaigning, and mobilizing public opinion. Her persistence paid off when on May 10, 1908, an official Mother's Day service was conducted at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. White carnations, the favorite flower of her mother, became the symbol of the day.
Official Recognition in the United States
Anna Jarvis's movement took root, and Mother's Day was being observed in a few U.S. states by 1911. President Woodrow Wilson officially decreed the second Sunday of May to be Mother's Day and designated it a national holiday in 1914.
Mother’s Day Around the World
Mother's Day originated in the U.S., yet nations celebrate the day in varied fashion and on alternate dates.
- United Kingdom: Mothering Sunday, which is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, is still a favorite tradition.
- India: On the second Sunday of May, Mother's Day has become increasingly popular, with people showering love and appreciation through gifts and messages.
- Mexico: On May 10 annually, Mother's Day (Día de las Madres) is celebrated with music, festivities, and special dinners.
- Japan: Mother's Day (Haha no Hi) is commemorated by wearing red carnations, representing love and appreciation.
- Ethiopia: Families come together for a multi-day celebration known as Antrosht, which includes feasting and singing in honor of mothers.
The Commercialization of Mother’s Day
In spite of Anna Jarvis's good intentions, Mother's Day soon became commercialized. It was seen by greeting card corporations, florists, and entrepreneurs as an opportunity to make a profit. During the 1920s, Jarvis grew disgusted with the commercialization of Mother's Day and even lobbied against it, labeling it a "Hallmark Holiday." She devoted the remainder of her life to the struggle against its over-commercialization.
Conclusion
Mother's Day is steeped in history, dating back to ancient goddess worship, then all the way to today. Although how we celebrate mothers has changed, the meaning is still the same—love, thanks, and appreciation for the unconditional support. Whether in the form of a love letter, a hug, or a gift, the day reminds us to appreciate and hold dear the amazing women that influence our lives.
So this Mother's Day, take a moment to appreciate the sacrifices and love of the mothers in your life, making them feel extra special.
