Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Mother’s Day? Well, save for the fact that we feel we must honor our mothers for their incomparable love. The Mother’s Day celebration in the United States was first observed thanks to Anna Jarvis. Although it doesn’t have a commercial impact then, the Mother’s day we observe today became one of the Hallmark Holiday. The giving of Mother’s Day gifts is a manifestation of it having a commercial purpose.
Historians though that the contemporary Mother’s Day celebration dawned from an old custom in ancient Greece from a festival in honor of Cybele, the great mother of Greek gods. Mother’s Day gifts were also offered to her honor. The said festival was originally held around the Vernal Equinox to Rome. This festival starts from March 15 to March 18, at least two months earlier than the present Mother’s Day.
The Romans also have a similar celebration in honor of Juno, a Roman goddess and the mother of Minerva, Mars, and Vulcan. She is the wife of Jupiter, a protector and special counselor of the state. This celebration is called the Matronalia. The giving of Mother’s Day gifts is also practiced during the celebration.
The Anglican and Catholic denomination of the Christian religion also hold records of Mother’s Day celebration. It is observed during the fourth Sunday of the Lent season to commemorate the immeasurable love of the Virgin Mary and in honor of the mother church. It is called the Mothering Sunday or Laetare Sunday in the liturgical calendar. Giving Mother’s Day gifts and ridding the mothers of their tasks like cleaning the house and cooking mark the observance of this celebration.
During the 1870, Howe’s Mother’s Day Proclamation was written by Julia Howe to call for the celebration of Mother’s Day in the United States. It is however has a political drive to react to the carnage of the American Civil War and the Franco-Russian War. In its first day of celebration, Mother’s Day gifts, usually roses are given to mothers all around the United States.
With or without Mother’s Day gifts, the most important thing to remember is why we celebrate this once in a year holiday – to honor our mothers. They don’t need extravagant gifts. A kiss, hug and a sincere “thank you” are all it needs to make them feel special and truly appreciated. No amount of flowers, sweets, and gifts could ever replace true sincerity and most especially a mother’s love.
