The Lodestar

Mother’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring mothers and motherhood, has a rich history spanning cultures and centuries. From its ancient origins to its modern-day celebrations, Mother's Day's evolution reflects the changing roles and perceptions of mothers in society.

Ancient Origins: The concept of honouring mothers dates back to ancient civilisations. In ancient Greece, festivities such as the annual spring festival dedicated to Rhea, the mother of the gods, celebrated motherhood and fertility. Similarly, ancient Romans honoured Cybele, the mother goddess, during the festival of Hilaria in March. These early celebrations laid the foundation for the reverence of motherhood in later societies.

Christian Influence: With the spread of Christianity, the celebration of motherhood took on new significance. The fourth Sunday in Lent became known as Mothering Sunday in the UK, where people would return to their “mother church” and honour the Virgin Mary. This tradition emphasised the maternal aspect of Christianity and reinforced the importance of mothers within the family and community.

Mother’s Day in the United States: The modern-day Mother’s Day in the United States can be attributed to the efforts of Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century. Inspired by her own mother’s activism and desire to honour mothers’ sacrifices, Jarvis campaigned for a designated day to celebrate motherhood. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, marking it as a national holiday.

Commercialisation and Modern Celebrations: While Mother’s Day initially focused on honouring mothers and their contributions, it has become increasingly commercialised over the years. Greeting card companies, florists, and retailers have capitalised on the holiday, turning it into a lucrative opportunity for sales and marketing. Despite this commercialisation, many people still use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to express their gratitude and appreciation for their mothers through heartfelt gestures and gifts.

Global Variations: While the date and customs may vary, the sentiment behind Mother’s Day remains universal. Countries worldwide have their traditions for celebrating mothers, ranging from family gatherings to religious ceremonies. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the mother of all Thai people. In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is part of the Antrosht festival, where families celebrate with feasting and singing.

Mother’s Day has evolved into a global celebration of maternal love and sacrifice from its ancient roots to its modern manifestations. While its commercialisation may sometimes overshadow its original intent, Mother’s Day’s essence persists in the heartfelt expressions of gratitude and appreciation for mothers everywhere. As we honour the maternal figures in our lives, let us remember the ancient origins and profound significance of this special day.

(Thangchinlian Guite, from Dorcas Veng, New Lamka, Manipur, is a dedicated member of his local church and serves as a Sunday School teacher within the Baptist Children's Department. With a lifelong passion for writing, he finds joy in weaving his imagination into words on paper.)