THE celebration of Mother’s Day has been an on-going tradition across the globe for as long as we can remember.
This celebratory holiday is to acknowledge mothers and grandmothers for all the continuous good deeds they have done and sacrifices they have made.
But where the true tradition began, originates many years ago.
Mother’s Day dates back to the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It was an annual celebration dedicated to the maternal goddesses, such as Rhea, mother of many deities of Greek mythology.
The annual spring festivals held for these maternal goddesses ignited a trend and the true annual celebration was born – ‘Mothering Sunday’.
The history of Mothering Sunday dates back to the 1600s, where families in England would have an annual celebration on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honour all mothers.
The celebration began with a church service honouring the Virgin Mary, followed by gifts and flowers brought by all the children in honour of their mothers.
Most people working away from home were encouraged to return home to spend time with their mothers.
The tradition of Mothering Sunday soon faded and by the 19th century, had completely died out.
It was only after World War II that the annual celebration made its comeback when American servicemen introduced the custom to their country, where it soon became a commercial attraction and caused a boom in sales
Today, Mother’s Day is still celebrated by many countries throughout the world.
On this day, people pay tribute to their mothers for their undying love and support.
Although it is still celebrated, it has become a huge commercial draw card as a money making business.
Despite the commercial impact, Mother’s Day continues to uphold the values it has always had, and shines as a celebration of appreciation and love towards mothers.
