Celebrating Mother's Day
It is a joyful day, the perfect chance to tell our mother how much we appreciate all of her love and sacrifices for our wellbeing. How did it started?
Mother's Day has its origins in ancient celebrations honoring motherhood and maternal figures. Throughout history, various cultures and civilizations had traditions and festivals dedicated to mothers. However, the modern concept of Mother's Day as a designated holiday can be traced back to the early 20th century.
The official establishment of Mother's Day as a recognized holiday is credited to Anna Jarvis, an American social activist. Anna Jarvis campaigned for a day to honor mothers as a way to express gratitude and love for their role in society.
The inaugural Mother's Day celebration occurred on May 10, 1908, in Grafton, West Virginia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Anna Jarvis held memorial services in these locations to honor her own mother, Ann Jarvis, who had been instrumental in organizing "Mother's Day Work Clubs" during the American Civil War. These clubs aimed to improve sanitary conditions and provide aid to mothers and families affected by the conflict.
Following the initial celebrations, Anna Jarvis continued her efforts to establish Mother's Day as a national holiday. Her endeavors eventually led to President Woodrow Wilson issuing a proclamation in 1914, designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day in the United States. The holiday quickly gained popularity and spread to other countries around the world.
Mother's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but not all countries have a designated day specifically dedicated to honoring mothers. The date, customs, and significance of Mother's Day can vary from country to country.
In several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many countries in Europe and Latin America, Mother's Day is widely celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
However, it's important to note that different countries may have their own unique dates and traditions for celebrating mothers. For example:
- In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day, also known as Mothering Sunday, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
- In Mexico, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 10th each year.
- In Russia, Mother's Day is observed on the last Sunday in November.
- In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12th, coinciding with the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Mother of Thailand.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other variations in how Mother's Day is celebrated worldwide. Some countries may have different dates or cultural practices associated with honoring mothers, while others may not have a specific day dedicated to celebrating motherhood.
We wish for all mothers to be celebrated not only one day a year, but all year round.
"To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow."
— Maya Angelou