Mother’s Day has been celebrated around the world for over a century now, with its origins dating back thousands of years. The holiday is a chance for families to celebrate the mothers in their lives, to show your mum just how much you appreciate and love her for everything she’s done for you. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the origins of Mother’s Day, how it’s celebrated in different cultures, and look at why mothering is so vital to the human experience.
The Origins of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day can be traced all the way back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans, who often held festivals to honour the mother goddesses, Rhea and Cybele. There was even an early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday” which was a major tradition in the UK and Europe. Mothering Sunday fell on the fourth Sunday during Lent, and was seen as an opportunity for worshippers to return to their “mother church” for a special service.
A more recent origin of the celebration is thought to have started in the United States in 1870, when social activist and poet, Julia Ward Howe, called for a day to honour mothers and their contributions. Then, in 1908, Anna Jarvis organised the first Mother’s Day celebration as a way of honouring the sacrifices mothers make, as well as her own mother who had recently passed away.
Since the early 1900s, Mother’s Day spread around the globe and is celebrated in various countries and cultures, each with its own customs and traditions.
Celebrations Across the Globe
Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates and in different ways across the world. In the United States, Australia and many other countries, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In the UK, it is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, harkening back to the “Mothering Day” Christian origins.
In Japan, Mother’s Day, (Haha no Hi in Japanese), is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, although it was banned during WWII, as were any Western customs. Children will often give their mothers flowers such as carnations and roses.
In Ethiopia, families gather during autumn for the Antrosht festival––a celebration honouring motherhood. People will sing songs and eat large feasts over the multi-day celebration.
In Hindu tradition, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the new moon day over April/May. The celebration is known as “Mata Tirtha Aunshi” or “Mother Pilgrimage fortnight” and mothers are honoured with special foods during this time.
The Importance of Mothering in All Its Forms
While Mother’s Day may look different around the world, the importance of mothering in all its forms is universal. Whether biological or not, the role of a mother figure is essential in a child’s survival, development and growth.
And this isn’t just true for humans either––for many mammals, the mother is the primary caregiver and plays a crucial role in the survival of her young. Orangutans, for example, have one of the strongest mother/child bonds in nature. During the first two years, a baby orangutan relies entirely on the mother for food and transport. The mothers stay with their young for nearly seven years, teaching them how to find food, what to eat and nest-building techniques.
Studies have shown that children with strong bonds to their mothers are less likely to experience mental health issues and will develop better socially and emotionally. A mother’s presence can absolutely impact a child’s academic achievement and future success in adult life.
But beyond a biological connection, mothering takes on many forms. A person’s mother figure may be an adoptive mother, a grandmother, a foster mother, an aunt, a teacher or just an older woman who cares deeply.
These relationships have profound and far-reaching impacts on the children they care for.
The act of providing for, loving, supporting and guiding a child is a uniquely feminine instinct, and can even be seen in the animal kingdom. African elephants exist in a matriarchal society, so other females will assist the mother in helping a calf to its feet, teaching it to nurse and being affectionate. It goes to show that even among animals, not all motherly love comes from a biological mother.
Whether you’re celebrating a biological mother or a mother figure this Mother’s Day, keep in mind the crucial importance of that connection. Lavish your mum with flowers, chocolates and all of her favourite things as you, like millions of others worldwide, toast to the mother or mothers in your life. Take a moment to honour and appreciate everything they’ve done and continue to do for you.
