At least forty countries around the world observe Mother’s Day, a celebration to honor the mothers of families. It is also a celebration of motherhood, maternal bonds and how mothers influence society.
There are different ways in which Mother’s Day is honored. Mother’s Day celebrations have existed for thousands of years around the world, such as the Greek cult to Cybele, Rhea, the Great Mother of the Gods, the Roman festival of Hilaria and the Christian Mothering Sunday celebrated in the United Kingdom. Many countries still celebrate Mother’s Day through these old traditions.
The modern Mother’s Day began in the United States, founded by Anna Jarvis in the early twentieth century. Jarvis created Mother’s Day work clubs to address important issues in public health. She began campaigning for Mother’s Day to be recognized as a holiday in the United States in 1905. The first celebration of the modern Mother’s Day was held in 1908. Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at a church called St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Still, Jarvis wanted to set aside a day to honor, not only her mother, but all mothers because she believed that mothers do more for people than anyone in the world.
By 1911, everyone in the United States observed and officially recognized Mother’s Day as a holiday. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation to designate Mother’s Day a national holiday to honor all mothers and that it should be held on the second Sunday of May.
Although other countries and cultures have adopted Mother’s Day, the holiday has different meanings and is celebrated in unique ways, sometimes associating with various events and celebrated on different dates. In the Roman Catholic Church, the holiday is strongly associated with revering the Virgin Mary, while in Hindu traditions, mothers are honored with special foods.
As for me, I have a strong and loving relationship with my mom. Like everyone else, we have our disagreements, but I love her no matter what. Every year on Mother’s Day, I make a little photo collage and write a little letter for her. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!
About Zoe Hernandez: Zoe lives in Meriden, Connecticut. A Quantum® brand ambassador, Zoe attends Abilities Expos and speaks with people about her disability. She is currently enrolled in college and hopes to work in a community one day with people who are just like her. Click here to learn more about Zoe.