Mother’s Day is a holiday that has been celebrated annually since the early 20th century in honor of mothers and motherhood. The holiday is observed on different days depending on the country, but it is commonly observed on the second Sunday of May in many countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and several other countries.
History
The origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman societies. In ancient Greece, people would hold festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. In Roman society, a festival was held in honor of the mother goddess, Magna Mater.
The modern-day Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908 when Anna Jarvis, an American activist, held a memorial for her mother who had died three years earlier. Jarvis held the memorial in Grafton, West Virginia, at a church that her mother had taught Sunday school in. Jarvis also campaigned for the holiday to be recognized nationally, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday.
Celebrations and Traditions
Mother’s Day is celebrated in many ways around the world. In the United States, it is common to give gifts such as flowers, chocolates, or cards to mothers. It is also common for families to celebrate with a special meal.
In many countries, especially in Europe and Latin America, Mother’s Day is celebrated on a different day, often coinciding with the Catholic holiday of the Immaculate Conception or other religious holidays.
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12, which is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the mother of the nation. On this day, people wear blue, which is the queen’s color, and visit their mothers to show them love and appreciation.
In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10, and it is a very popular holiday. It is common for families to celebrate with a special meal, and children often make handmade cards or gifts for their mothers.
In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is part of a three-day celebration called Antrosht. Antrosht is a celebration of motherhood and is part of the Orthodox Christian religion. Families often gather to eat special foods and dance during this celebration.
Controversy
In recent years, there has been controversy surrounding the commercialization of Mother’s Day. Some people feel that the holiday has become too focused on material gifts rather than genuine acts of love and appreciation. Others have criticized the way in which companies profit from the holiday by inflating prices on gifts and flowers.
In response to this criticism, many people have advocated for alternative ways of celebrating Mother’s Day, such as spending quality time with loved ones and performing acts of service that show appreciation for mothers.
Conclusion
Mother’s Day is a holiday that has been celebrated for over a century in honor of mothers and motherhood. It is observed on different days in different countries, but it is commonly celebrated on the second Sunday of May in many countries around the world.
Despite the controversies surrounding the commercialization of the holiday, Mother’s Day remains an important day for people to show appreciation and love for their mothers and motherly figures in their lives. It is a time to recognize and honor the incredible sacrifices and love that mothers give to their families every day.
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