Theme Happy
Theme Happy
 |
No items matching your keywords were found.
Where does Mother's Day come from?
If there's any truth in the saying that a mother's work is never done, it's no wonder that Mother's Day is so eagerly anticipated as the one opportunity for weary mothers to put their feet up.Some would say that mothers deserve far more than just one special day in the year, but it is a special occasion on which to acknowledge and recognise them.
Let's look past any hype and commercialism, and see where the tradition has its origins.
Contrary to what some people believe, Mother's Day isn't a modern invention by some company as a sales strategy to promote their products.It is said to have originated in ancient civilizations when goddesses were worshipped during festivals and holidays.In ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt, festivals were held to revere goddesses including Isis, Cybele (a great mother of Greek gods) and Rhea.
There are several Christian denominations which have dedicated Mothering Sundays in their liturgical calendar.Mothering Sunday is said to have originated in the 17th Century in Europe when church goers were encouraged to return to their mother church or cathedral once a year.These visits were especially important for mothers and children from poor families as the children were often sent off to work away from home, and were only reunited with their mothers at the annual 'mother church' visit.As tokens of appreciation, these children gave their mothers flowers they'd picked along the way and special 'mothering' cakes.These acts of giving are very much in vogue today, with flowers being one of the most popular ways of showing appreciation.
The fourth Sunday in Lent also featured on the Catholic calendar as the date when tribute was paid to the Virgin Mary.This was also a date when the mother was encouraged to take a break from the traditional 'female' roles of cook and cleaner, whilst other family members took over.
Mother's Day in the US is believed to have started with the story of dynamic author, Julia Ward Howe, who was an activist for the cause.The second Sunday in May being declared Mother's Day has its origins in the early 1900s when the state of West Virginia declared it a holiday following the efforts of another Mother's day campaigner, Anna Jarvis (her own mother died on that date).At her mother's funeral, she handed out white carnations which had been her mother's favourite flower, and they've been associated with Mother's day since.
Mother's Day celebrations around the world take on many different forms and on many different dates.They also share a common practice - the giving of flowers and gifts.
In the Western world, billions of dollars goes on gifts, flowers and special treats for Mother's Day.And it's not only the mothers who have big smiles over this time. Nearly eight percent of the annual revenue of the US jewellery industry is generated over the holiday, and it’s the most popular day for restaurant dining in the US.
For Perth flower delivery company, Airport Florist, it's one of the busiest days of the year as they are inundated with orders for special arrangements to pay tribute to special people.Florists aren't the only busy ones - restaurants, postal services, retailers and spas - are all frantic over the Mother's Day holiday - all keeping busy so that mothers can be spoilt rotten and given a chance to relax!
The Cynic Project - Happy Theme
