Mother’s Day Around the World: History, Traditions, and Celebration

Mother’s Day has been celebrated since the 19th century. It originated in the United States and is now celebrated in many countries around the world. 

Yet, the history and true meaning of this holiday often remain overlooked. Beyond merely an occasion for an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift, Mother’s Day embodies a rich tapestry of stories, advocacy, and a celebration of motherhood.

So, are you ready to uncover what lies beneath the surface of this cherished holiday?

Date and Definition of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring mothers and their influence in society. It’s observed on various days in different parts of the world, most commonly in March or May. 

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It’s a day dedicated to honoring and recognizing the love, efforts, and contributions of mothers and mother figures. 

Origin and History of Mother’s Day

The official observance of Mother’s Day in the U.S. can be traced back to Anna Jarvis, who, after her mother’s death in 1905, sought to establish a day that would honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children. 

Jarvis’s idea came to fruition on May 10, 1908, with the first official Mother’s Day celebration in Grafton, West Virginia, and at a department store in Philadelphia. Due to her persistent campaigning, President Woodrow Wilson officially established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in 1914.

Ancient Celebrations of Mother’s Day

Long before the establishment of the modern Mother’s Day, ancient cultures celebrated festivals dedicated to mother goddesses and maternal figures. 

• The ancient Greeks honored Rhea, the mother of the gods, with a spring festival.
• The Romans held festivities in honor of Cybele, a mother goddess, during the Hilaria festival in March. 
• In Christian tradition, the fourth Sunday in Lent was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the church where one was baptized, known as “Mothering Sunday” in the UK.

Advocacy and Resistance to Mother’s Day

While Anna Jarvis successfully advocated for the creation of Mother’s Day, she later became one of its most outspoken critics, disillusioned by the commercialization of the holiday. 

Jarvis felt that the day’s original sentiment of personal appreciation and handmade gifts had been overshadowed by the purchase of pre-made cards, flowers, and gifts. Despite her efforts to reform the celebration and return it to its roots, the commercial aspects of Mother’s Day continued to grow.

If you want to learn more about the economic aspect of this celebration, here’s our article on Mother’s Day Statistics and Trends.

Mother’s Day Around the World

Mother’s Day is celebrated in various forms and on different dates around the globe, reflecting diverse cultural traditions:

• United States: Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, featuring gifts, cards, and family gatherings.
• United Kingdom: Celebrated as “Mothering Sunday” on the fourth Sunday of Lent, it originally allowed servants who had moved away for work to visit their mothers and attend their “mother” church.
• Thailand: Mother’s Day is observed on August 12, commemorating the birthday of Queen Sirikit, regarded as the mother of all Thai people.
• Mexico: Here, Mother’s Day, or “Día de las Madres,” falls on May 10 regardless of the day of the week. It’s marked by special masses, school presentations, and family gatherings.
• Japan: Observed on the second Sunday in May, children gift their mothers with red carnations, symbolizing love and admiration.
• Ethiopia: During the fall, Ethiopians celebrate “Antrosht,” a multi-day festival dedicated to mothers as part of the end of the rainy season, filled with feasting and singing.
• India: In India, Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of May. India has its own age-old tradition, notably through the festival of Durga Puja, celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the ultimate form of motherly love. 

Conclusion

In closing, we’ve discovered Mother’s Day’s humble beginnings, followed its struggle for recognition, and celebrated its eventual national acceptance. Let’s continue to honor them, not just on Mother’s Day, but every day.

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