This holiday has different meanings associated with religious, historical and legendary events.
But how did this day come about?
Mother’s Day, Moeder’s Dag, La Festa Della Mamma, Usuku Oluhle Mama, Mothering Sunday… it goes by many different names, but however you say it, the expression of love and appreciation is the same.
In prehistoric tribes the mother goddess was worshiped as the creator of life.
Female goddess figures are found in many archaeological digs.
Most mothering festivals in early history were in the springtime to celebrate the rebirth of the land and the beginning of the most fertile time of the year.
The modern version of Mother’s Day with families bringing Mother’s Day flowers and gifts to their moms can be traced back to 17th century England.
Mothering Sunday was the fourth Sunday in Lent…a special day when all the strict rules about fasting and penance were put aside.
Older children who were away from home learning a trade or working as servants were allowed to return home for Mothering Sunday.
The family gathered for a mid-Lenten feast with mother as the special guest.
Along with a rare visit from her children, mothers were given treats of cakes and wildflower bouquets.
While ‘Mothering Sunday’ is still celebrated, most now know as Mother’s Day though may have a slightly different history.
Early attempts to have a day to honour mothers were joined with woman’s suffering and peace movements and were not very popular in 1872.
There were many other women who were active with local groups holding annual Mother’s Day remembrances, but most were more religious gatherings and not the holiday that we know today.