Mother's Day

There is a very long history attached to the day that we still celebrate on the second Sunday of May.  Pagan traditions in Greece and Rome were used to honour mothers.  Then, in the 17^th century England began observing what they called “Mothering Sunday” on the fourth Sunday of Lent. 

The poet and author Julia Ward Howe promoted a Mothers’ Peace Day for antiwar activists with a focus on spreading unity across the globe after the trauma of the Civil and Franco-Prussian Wars.  According to the National Geographic, the goal was to have women gather in churches, halls and parlors to listen to sermons, present essays, sing hymns or pray as a way of promoting peace.

In 1908 a woman named Anna Reeves Jarvis, who was credited with starting the first Mother’s Day, did so as she was inspired by the activism and respect for her own mother.  Then, in 1914 United States President Woodrow Wilson officially designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

There are commercial aspects to this spring celebration that include purchasing bouquets of flowers, sending cards and gifts or having special family dinners.  Several billion dollars are spent each year in the name of Mother’s Day. 

Apparently, Anna Jarvis regretted the fact that profiteering had taken over the commemorative day.  In 1948 she apparently died penniless at the age of 84 because she had used all of her money to fight the commercialization of Mother’s Day.

I remember, as a child, that people would wear carnations to church in honour of their mothers.  Red ones meant that the mother was alive, pink that she was ill and white that she had died.

Technology and distance have changed so much in our world and Mother’s Day is not exempt.  Instead of spending hours together, a mother often just receives a phone call – or a text.  Flowers are sometimes not delivered by the family but instead through a global delivery system. 

Many of us no longer have mothers or have never become a mother but have mentors in our lives who we recognize as having offered us inspiration, love and caring.

No matter what your situation is, this year, on the second Sunday of May, take a few minutes to think about the history and symbolism associated with Mother’s Day.

Perhaps there is a special woman with whom you can spend some time and offer thanks for that person’s influence! 

Remember, this holiday began with several different purposes and goals.  You get to set your own agenda and honour whoever you choose in whatever fashion you choose by thought or deed!

Mother’s Day involves all of us for some do the honouring and some are to be honoured.

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone!