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Mother's Day
History
History has revealed that the earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece. This was in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods.
England has celebrated a day called Mothering Sunday since the 1600s. Mothering Sunday is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter).
In the late 1800's a social activist named Julia Ward Howe, organised special events for women to protest against war. In 1870 she wrote a proclamation calling for mothers to unite against war, and tried (but failed) to get formal recognition for a Mother's Day of Peace.
At the same time, another woman named Ann Jarvis was also working in the women's movement, attempting to improve sanitation conditions for women on both sides of the Civil War.
After Ann passed away years later, her daughter Anna organised a special church service as a tribute to her late mother. The service was held on 10th May 1908, (the third anniversary of Ann's death), and was to honour all mothers, both those who were living and those who had passed away.
The service became very popular, and over the years developed into a regular celebration. Anna campaigned to ministers, businessmen and politicians to make the day a national holiday, and in 1914 a resolution was passed in both houses of representatives to call the second Sunday in May.
Traditions
Mothers Day is a special day where mothers all around the world are recognised and celebrated. The celebration takes many forms from house to house, and country to country, but for the most part it is a day where mothers get the chance to put their feet up and be well and truly spoiled!
There is no one way to celebrate Mothers Day, although it is common for mothers to receive cards, gifts and special favours such as breakfast in bed. Many churches hold services to honour mothers. Commercial aspects aside, Mothers Day is a chance for you to do something special, and show mothers everywhere just how much they are appreciated.
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