Mother’s Day has a rich history, and we’re here to provide all the details, along with intriguing facts about its significance and the tradition’s origins.
Mother figures come in many forms, not limited to biological mothers. Foster moms, aunts, friends of your mom, or sisters who played a nurturing role deserve recognition on this special day. These women have been there through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, offering support and love, which is why we honor them on Mother’s Day—a tradition celebrated globally.
The origins of Mother’s Day date back centuries and have evolved into a significant occasion marked by gifting and celebrations. Here’s a look at how it all began.
The Origins of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day traces its roots to the Ancient Greeks, who held a spring festival honoring Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. The Romans also celebrated a similar figure, the goddess Cybele.
In Christianity, Mothering Sunday has been observed since at least the 16th century. Initially, it was not a celebration of motherhood but a day during Lent when people returned to their ‘mother church’ for a special service. This tradition is why Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent in some regions.
The custom of giving gifts started with families reuniting at the Mothering Sunday service. Children would pick flowers on their way to church to give to their mothers, a practice that continues today with the popularity of flower deliveries.
In Medieval times, apprentices and servants were given the day off on Mothering Sunday to visit their mothers, often bringing a special cake called a Simnel cake. This rich fruitcake, adorned with almond paste and marzipan balls representing the apostles, was a traditional gift.
Mother’s Day lost some of its popularity in the early 1900s but was revitalized by Anna Jarvis in the United States in the 20th century. Her efforts led to Mother’s Day becoming an official American holiday in 1914, following a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson. Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 152 countries.
Mother’s Day in England
Mothering Sunday has been a consistent event in the UK since the 1950s, thanks to the efforts of Constance Penswick Smith. Inspired by Anna Jarvis, Smith founded the Society for the Observance of Mothering Sunday and wrote a book on its revival in 1921.
In the UK, Mother’s Day is celebrated on a different date than in the US. It falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, reflecting the original Mothering Sunday tradition. During World War II, soldiers abroad would acknowledge their mothers, which helped solidify the day’s observance.
Mother’s Day in the United States
In the US, Mother’s Day began in 1907 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial service for her mother on May 12. The idea quickly gained popularity, and by 1914, it became an official national holiday, celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
Modern Celebrations
Today, Mother’s Day celebrations have evolved. While Simnel cakes are less common, the sentiment behind the day remains strong. Modern celebrations often include giving flowers, chocolates, and other thoughtful gifts. A special dinner or a bottle of her favorite drink is also a popular way to honor mothers.
In the UK, spending on Mother’s Day is significant, with millions spent on greeting cards and flowers. Interflora reports that two bouquets are delivered every second on Mother’s Day, making it 15 times busier than an average day. Popular flowers include carnations, roses, sunflowers, gerberas, and tulips.
Alcohol sales, particularly gin, see a notable increase around Mother’s Day, reflecting the holiday’s festive nature. Online shopping for Mother’s Day gifts has also grown, especially during the pandemic, with a notable increase in online orders or you could now just walk into any Carrefour store if you find yourself in Uganda for that perfect gift.
Mother’s Day continues to adapt and thrive, celebrating the incredible women who shape our lives.
