Mother’s Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May in many countries around the world.
It is a day dedicated to honouring mothers and maternal figures for their love, sacrifice, and contributions to their families and society.
Mothers always make our lives easier and give us a better chance at survival. The celebration, however, shouldn’t always be limited to celebrating our biological mothers but to celebrating women who have one way or the other played motherly roles in our lives.
But how did this holiday come to be, and why do we celebrate it? In this article, we’ll explore the history of Mother’s Day.
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Origins of Mother’s Day
The idea of honouring mothers has been around for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations.
The Greeks and Romans held festivals in honour of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, while the ancient Egyptians celebrated the goddess Isis, who was also considered the mother of the pharaohs.
However, the modern concept of Mother’s Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
In 1908, Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother, Ann Jarvis, a social activist who had worked to improve public health and sanitation in her community.
Anna wanted to honour her mother’s legacy and encourage others to appreciate their mothers. She began a campaign to create a national holiday to honour mothers, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
Initially, Mother’s Day was celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and the giving of flowers and greeting cards. It quickly became a popular holiday, and it spread to other countries around the world.
Why We Celebrate Mother’s Day?
There are many reasons why we celebrate Mother’s Day. First and foremost, it is a way to honour and thank our mothers for their love, care, and sacrifices because they are often the primary caregivers in families, and they play a vital role in raising and nurturing their children.
Mother’s Day is an opportunity to express our gratitude for all that they do.
Secondly, Mother’s Day is a way to recognize the important contributions that mothers make to society. Mothers are often involved in their communities, volunteering, and working to make the world a better place for their children and future generations.
Finally, Mother’s Day is a way to bring families together and strengthen the bond between mothers and their children. It is a time to reflect on the importance of family and to celebrate the love that mothers have for their children.
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Celebrating Mother’s Day
There are many ways to celebrate Mother’s Day. Some people choose to give gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, or jewellery, while others prefer to spend time with their mothers, either by taking them out for a meal or spending time together at home.
Some families also choose to honour their grandmothers, aunts, or other maternal figures on Mother’s Day.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards more personalized and meaningful gifts for Mother’s Day. Some people choose to create handmade gifts or to give experiences, such as spa days or cooking classes, as a way to show their appreciation for their mothers.
It is important that we celebrate our mothers and women in general because every woman bears the potential to birth life and nurture it. Regardless of whom or where your mother is, she is worth celebrating.
On this note I want to wish all women a Happy Mother’s Day Most especially my Mother. Cheers.