Mother’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar- it is a heartfelt tribute to the women who nurture, protect, and inspire. Whether through small gestures or grand celebrations, it is a day to pause and recognise the unconditional love and sacrifices that mothers around the world make every day.
Ancient Beginnings: Honouring the Mother
The roots of Mother’s Day can be traced back to the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome, where grand festivals were held to honour Rhea and Cybele, revered as mother goddesses. These early celebrations reflected the deep respect for the role of mothers within the community, long before the concept of a single day of celebration existed.
In early Christianity, ‘Mothering Sunday’ emerged in the United Kingdom. Held on the fourth Sunday of Lent, it began as a tradition for Christians to return to their ‘mother church’- the main church in their area. Over time, this day evolved into one of appreciation for mothers, marked with flowers and small gifts, a tradition that still endures today.
The Birth of Modern Mother’s Day
The modern version of Mother’s Day was established in the United States in the early 20th century. Anna Jarvis, inspired by her own mother Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had been a community organiser during the Civil War, campaigned tirelessly for a day to honour the sacrifices mothers make. Her dedication paid off in 1914 when U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day a national holiday, celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
Anna Jarvis had envisioned a day of personal reflection and appreciation, not commercialisation. Ironically, she would later become a vocal critic of how the holiday evolved into a marketing opportunity for florists and card companies.
A Global Celebration of Love
Today, Mother’s Day is embraced worldwide, each culture adding its own unique touch. In the UK and Ireland, it remains connected to Mothering Sunday, while countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan follow the American model. Ethiopia celebrates motherhood with the Antrosht festival, a multi-day event where families gather to honour the women who hold them together.
Across borders and traditions, the message is the same: to love, honour, and appreciate the mothers who give so selflessly. This Sunday, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, may it be filled with joy, gratitude, and heartfelt moments that remind every mother of just how loved she truly is.
Happy Mother’s Day.
