The history of Mother’s Day: From celebration to tradition
Mother’s Day, as we know it today, is a day dedicated to celebrating and honoring mothers, but its origins stretch back thousands of years. What is the story behind Mother’s Day and how it became a tradition that we celebrate up to this day?
Ancient celebrations of motherhood
The roots of Mother’s Day can be traced to ancient civilizations that celebrated motherhood and maternal figures. In ancient Greece, for example, festivals were held in honor of Rhea, the mother of the gods. Similarly, the Romans celebrated a spring festival called Hilaria, which involved honoring mothers and female deities. These celebrations often featured feasts, offerings, and festivities dedicated to the importance of mothers.
Early Christian traditions
In Europe, the early Christians celebrated a day called “Mothering Sunday,” which took place on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This day was originally about honoring the “mother church,” or the central church of the region, but over time, it became a day for children to return to their mothers and show appreciation. It was common for children, especially those working as servants, to be given the day off to visit their mothers and bring gifts, such as flowers or cakes.
The birth of modern Mother’s Day
In the United States, the modern celebration of Mother’s Day was largely shaped by the efforts of Anna Jarvis, an American woman who is often credited with founding the holiday. In the early 20th century, Anna campaigned for a special day to honor mothers in memory of her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had worked to improve sanitation and healthcare in West Virginia during the Civil War. After years of advocacy, Anna’s efforts led to President Woodrow Wilson declaring Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914, to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
Mother’s Day today
What started as a heartfelt tribute to mothers has grown into a global tradition, celebrated in various forms around the world. In many countries, Mother’s Day is a time to give flowers, cards, and gifts to mothers, as well as to spend time with family. It is also a day to reflect on the importance of maternal figures and express gratitude for their nurturing role.