Mother's Day is a beloved global holiday celebrated to honor mothers, motherhood, and maternal bonds. The tradition of honoring mothers has roots in ancient Greek and Roman societies, where special events were held to pay tribute to motherly deities such as Rhea and Cybele. These festivities included feasting, making offerings, and conducting ceremonies to celebrate motherhood and fertility.
The modern concept of Mother's Day, as we know it today, is largely credited to Anna Jarvis, an American activist who campaigned for a dedicated day to honor mothers. After her mother's passing in 1905, Jarvis advocated for a national holiday to recognize mothers and their contributions to society.
In 1908, Jarvis organized the first official Mother's Day celebration at a church in West Virginia. She distributed white carnations, her mother's favorite flowers, as a tribute to all mothers. The idea gained popularity, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, a national holiday in the United States.
Since then, Mother's Day has been widely celebrated around the world, with each country adopting its own customs and traditions to honor mothers. Celebrations typically involve gifts, cards, flowers, and special gestures to express gratitude towards mothers and maternal figures.
While commercialism is often associated with Mother's Day, its true significance lies in showing appreciation and affection for the women who nurture, support, and care for us throughout our lives.