The History of Mother’s Day

From Ancient Traditions to Modern Celebrations

Mother’s Day, as we know it today, is often seen as a day for flowers, cards, and heartfelt appreciation. But behind the commercialised exterior lies a deep history, spanning ancient civilisations, religious traditions, and social movements. The celebration of motherhood has taken many forms throughout history, reflecting the cultural values of different societies.

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Ancient Beginnings: Honouring Mother Figures

Greek and Roman Roots: Worshipping the Great Mother

The earliest recorded celebrations of motherhood can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where maternal figures were deeply intertwined with religious life.

  • Greece – The Festival of Rhea
    In ancient Greece, one of the most significant mother figures was Rhea, the Titaness considered the “Mother of the Gods” and the mother of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia. She was revered as a protector of fertility, motherhood, and the natural world.

    The annual spring festival dedicated to Rhea celebrated fertility and life, as spring was associated with renewal and the cycle of nature. Worshippers made offerings of honey cakes, flowers, and fine drinks at temples dedicated to her.

  • Rome – The Celebration of Cybele and Hilaria
    The Romans, influenced by Greek traditions, worshipped Cybele, their version of the Great Mother. She was a powerful deity of fertility, nature, and protection, often depicted in a chariot drawn by lions.

    The festival dedicated to Cybele, called Hilaria, took place around March 25th and was marked by lavish celebrations, games, parades, and sacrifices. Romans would offer gifts at Cybele’s temple, and the festival itself often involved a three-day celebration filled with music, dancing, and processions through the streets.

    These early mother-goddess celebrations set the foundation for later cultural traditions that honoured mothers, influencing both Mothering Sunday and modern Mother’s Day.

    Check out the accompanying YouTube Video to this article below:

Early Christian Traditions: The Origins of Mothering Sunday

As Christianity spread across Europe, many pagan traditions were adapted into Christian customs (as per Christmas celebrations covered previously). One of these was the practice of honouring the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, which laid the groundwork for what would become Mothering Sunday.

The Emergence of Mothering Sunday in the UK

The earliest records of a specific “Mothering Sunday” celebration in the UK date back to the 16th century, during the reign of Henry VIII. Unlike the modern Mother’s Day, which focuses on personal appreciation for mothers, Mothering Sunday originally had a religious significance.

The day fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent and was traditionally a time when:

  • People would return to their “mother church” – the main church or cathedral in their home area – to worship.
  • Domestic servants and apprentices were given the day off to visit their families.
  • Children would pick wildflowers to place in church or to present as gifts to their mothers.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, the practice evolved further, with it becoming more of a family-oriented occasionrather than strictly religious. The tradition of baking Simnel cake, a rich fruitcake with marzipan, became associated with the day, and families would often share a meal together after church services.

However, during the Industrial Revolution, the tradition of Mothering Sunday began to decline. The migration of workers to urban factories and the shift away from agrarian lifestyles led to the practice fading in many parts of the UK.

The Revival of Mothering Sunday in the UK

By the early 20th century, Mothering Sunday had nearly disappeared from British culture. However, Constance Adelaide Smith, an Englishwoman, sought to revive the tradition. Inspired by Anna Jarvis’s campaign in the US, Smith published a booklet titled The Revival of Mothering Sunday in 1921, arguing that the day should celebrate not just mothers but also the “Mother Church,” motherhood, and the nurturing spirit of women.

Her efforts were successful, and by the 1930s and 1940s, Mothering Sunday was once again widely observed in the UK. The custom gradually aligned more with the American version of Mother’s Day, shifting its focus towards gifting and appreciation for mothers rather than religious observance.

Following World War II, the influence of American culture cemented Mother’s Day as a commercialised event, with retailers promoting flowers, cards, and chocolates as essential gifts.

Mother’s Day Around the World

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in various ways across different cultures:

  • United Kingdom – Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, it retains some religious elements but is largely focused on gift-giving and appreciation.
  • United States – Celebrated on the second Sunday of May, following Anna Jarvis’s original campaign.
  • France – Recognised officially in 1929, it became a state-endorsed celebration after World War II, often featuring family meals and flowers.
  • Japan – Introduced in the early 20th century, the holiday became widespread after World War II, with carnations being a symbolic gift.
  • Mexico – Día de las Madres (May 10th) is celebrated with music, feasts, and often school performances honouring mothers.
  • Ethiopia – The Antrosht Festival is a multi-day gathering where families celebrate motherhood with singing and feasting.

Mother’s Day Today: A Celebration or a Commercial Enterprise?

While Mother’s Day remains a cherished occasion, some argue that it has become overly commercialised. In the UK alone, Mother’s Day spending exceeds £1.6 billion annually, making it one of the most profitable holidays for businesses.

Anna Jarvis, who initially fought for Mother’s Day in the US, grew to resent how it was monetised. She once protested against the Hallmark Corporation for selling pre-written Mother’s Day cards, stating:

“A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world.”

Despite the commercial elements, the core sentiment of gratitude and appreciation remains. Whether through a simple handwritten note, a thoughtful gesture, or quality time spent together, Mother’s Day continues to serve as a reminder of the immense role that mothers play in our lives.

Conclusion: A Day with Ancient Roots and Modern Significance

Mother’s Day has evolved from pagan rituals and Christian traditions to a worldwide celebration. Whether you celebrate it with flowers, a heartfelt message, or a shared meal, the day serves as a tribute to the love, sacrifice, and nurturing nature of mothers throughout history.

While its form has changed, its purpose remains: to honour the women who shape and support us.