May 2003 - Nr. 5
The history of Mother’s Day
Once Easter is over and the weather turns warmer we look forward to one of the more important holidays that reach deep into our hearts: "Mother’s Day"!
The earliest Mother’s Day celebrations have been traced back to the spring festivals in ancient Greece to honour Rhea, wife of Cronus, the Mother of the Gods and Goddesses. During the 1600’s England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday" that was celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent (40 days prior to Easter) to honour the mothers of England.
Many countries throughout the world celebrate their own Mother’s Day at different times during the year.
Julia Ward Howe declared June 2, 1872 the first Mother’s Day and it wasn’t until 1907 that Anna M. Jarvis (1864 – 1948) succeeded in declaring the second Sunday in May "Mother’s Day". This custom has spread around almost all the world as a tribute and sign as to how we appreciate our mothers – without whom, and their sacrifices, we wouldn’t be here today.
Anna Jarvis also began the custom of wearing a carnation, a white one if the wearer’s mother had passed on and a coloured one to indicate she is still alive. This custom has not generally survived.
So you see, Mother’s Day is not an invention designed to sell flowers or greeting cards! r.k.a.
