OyeYeah explores the evolution of Mother’s Day from ancient roots to modern celebrations
Mother's Day has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman festivals that honoured mother goddesses.
Happy Mother’s Day to all those celebrating today, May 12, 2024.
Mother’s Day, over time, has evolved into a day to honour and appreciate mothers and motherhood, celebrated with gifts, cards, and gestures of love and gratitude.
The day marking celebrations to honour motherhood is now observed in various countries, though the dates and traditions may differ.
Mother’s Day has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman festivals that honoured mother goddesses. While the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”
However, the modern version of Mother’s Day has its origins in the United States, celebrated in over 40 countries, with variations in dates and traditions.
One of the early advocates for an official Mother’s Day in the United States was Julia Ward Howe.
In 1870, she wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” as a call to action for mothers to unite in promoting world peace.
Anna Jarvis was another key figure who worked for the establishment of Mother’s Day as a holiday in the U.S.
After the death of her mother in 1905, Jarvis campaigned for a day to honour mothers and their sacrifices.
She organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a church in West Virginia in 1908.
Jarvis’s efforts gained momentum, and by 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, making it a national holiday in the United States.
Over time, Mother’s Day has evolved into a day to honour and appreciate mothers and motherhood, celebrated with gifts, cards, and gestures of love and gratitude. It’s now observed in various countries across the world, though the dates and traditions may differ.
Commercialization, globalization and pop culture have given a new meaning to the day with all sorts of celebrations taking place in the name of Mother’s Day that include:
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Gifts: Many people give their mothers or mother figures gifts such as flowers, chocolates, jewellery, or personalized items to show appreciation for their love and care.
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Cards: Sending Mother’s Day cards with heartfelt messages expressing love and gratitude is a popular tradition. Some people also make handmade cards to add a personal touch.
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Family gatherings: Families often come together to celebrate Mother’s Day with special meals, whether it’s a homemade brunch, lunch at a restaurant, or a picnic in the park. It’s a time for families to bond and honour the mother or mothers in their lives.
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Activities: Some families engage in activities that the mother enjoys, such as going for a hike, watching a movie, or visiting a museum. The focus is on spending quality time together and making the day special for the mother.
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Pampering: Many mothers appreciate being pampered on Mother’s Day. This could involve breakfast in bed, a spa day, or simply having a day off from household chores.
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Reflection and remembrance: For those whose mothers have passed away, Mother’s Day can be a time for reflection and remembrance. People may visit their mother’s grave, light a candle in her honour, or spend time looking through old photos and sharing memories.
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Acts of service: Some people choose to show their appreciation for their mothers through acts of service, such as cooking their favourite meal, cleaning the house, or taking care of errands to give them a break.
In many countries, including the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, as well as, in Canada, Australia, and Pakistan.
However, in France, Mother’s Day known as “Fête des Mères”, is celebrated on the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which falls in March.
Do you celebrate Mother’s Day? Let us know in the comments section below.
