History of Mother's Day (Mothering Sunday)

Historians believe that our modern day tradition of honoring our mothers dates back to the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome. Mother goddesses were worshipped in both of these cultures during the spring and in religious festivals. Rhea, powerful goddess and wife of Cronus, was also known as Mother of the Gods. There is evidence of a mid-March festival to honor the Roman goddess Magna Mater, or Great Mother which dates back to 250 BC. The celebration of the "Mother Church" replaced the pagan festivals during the spread of Christianity throughout Europe.

Since it was believed that the Mother Church was spiritual power that gave life and protected from harm it was customary for people to bring gifts to the church. In Europe during the middle Ages, the fourth Sunday in lent became known as mothering Sunday. Most poor folk were employed as servants of wealthy landowners, and therefore forced to live in the home of their employer. They were allowed to return home on the fourth Sunday in Lent, and often brought small gifts or a "mothering cake" also known as Simnel Cake. The cakes, prepared ahead used dried fruit, as these would keep and travel well during the journey home, which would have been made on foot, or if one was fortunate, by horse and cart.

"I think it must somewhere be written that the virtues of mothers shall be visited on their children, as well as the sins of their fathers." Charles Dickens Modern tradition of Mother's Day

Julia Ward Howe, author of the words of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, was the first person to suggest that America adopt a day when all mothers should be honoured. She saw Mother's Day as a day dedicated to peace. The suggestion was not taken seriously however, although she held Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Massachusetts every year.

The celebration of Mother's Day as a holiday in the United States is attributed to Mrs. Anna Jarvis, who dedicated her life to promoting the holiday. She was inspired by her own mother's devotion to the raising of a family of eleven children. On the second anniversary of her mother's death, the second Sunday in May, Anna Jarvis convinced her mother's parish in West Virginia to hold a celebration of Mother's Day. The church was decorated with her mother's favourite flower, the white carnation, a symbol of sweetness, purity and endurance. Mother's Day - the day of flowers The white carnation was originally worn to symbolize a mother who has passed away and a red carnation for one who is living. However, many other flowers are now accepted as being significant on Mother's Day. In 1910, West Virginia officially recognized Mother's Day, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it a national holiday.

Mother's Day traditions around the world In the United States, it is tradtional to bring flowers and take you mohter to lunch or brunch. As in other countries, if a family is not able to be with their mother on this special day, they will often send cards, flowers or gifts to mark the occasion. Others will simply give the gift of their time, spending time with their mother, having a special meal or taking Mother for an enjoyable outing.

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers." Jewish proverb

In Australia the white chrysanthemum has taken the place of the carnation, being the most prolific flower in season in May. All along our roadways you will see people with buckets containing bunches of colourful chrysanthemums, for sale on Mother's Day. Many people stop on route to their visit their own mothers, and in remembrance of their care and love, purchase these colourful gifts. Church services make special mention of the devotion of mothers to the task of caring for and raising their children, reminding families to take special care of their mothers.

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." -- Tenneva Jordan

Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Japan, Australia and Belgium celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, however some countries observe it on a different day. Sweden and France chose to celebrate this occasion on the last Sunday in May, and the French often treat this occasion similarly to a family birthday, when the family gathers together for a celebration meal culminating in the enjoyment of a special Mother's Day cake. We see once again the connection between Mother's Day and Spring festivals, as in Lebanon it is held on the first day of spring, South Africa holds its celebration on the first Sunday in May. Argentina and India observe Mother's Day in October. The festival Durga Puja in honour of Durga, the Divine Mother and most important Hindu goddess in India is celebrated with a 10 day festival in early October. Spain and Portugal celebrate Mother's Day on December 8th, when they not only honour mothers but attend religious services to honor the Virgin Mary.

"The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom." Henry Ward Beecher

Anna Jarvis' aim had been for this Day to increase respect for parents and strengthen family bonds. She believed that the gift of time and the giving of ourselves were the important aspects of setting aside a day. No matter from which country we originate, or what time of the year we celebrate, the central theme honouring one's mother is uniform the world over.

"An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest." --Spanish Proverb

Are You Ready for Mother's Day?
If you haven't looked at mother's jewelry lately you might be surprised at the huge variety of designs that are available, because mother's jewelry isn't just a place to display her children's birthstones. While birthstones are still an important component of many pieces, mother's jewelry covers a wide range of styles, from traditional to very contemporary. Oh, and don't forget that these Mother's Day jewelry gift ideas are appropriate for Grandmothers, Daughters, Wife's, Girlfriends, Aunts, Cousins, etc.

1) Mother's Rings
Let's cover mother's rings first, because they're so popular. You'll find something for mom or grandma here, no matter what type of mother's ring you are looking for and no matter what your budget. There are many styles of mother's rings. Some are delicate. Others are much bolder jewelry designs. There are several mother's rings with names imprinted in block letters or script letters and are custom made just for mom.

2) Mother's Bracelets
Several of the bracelets in this mother's jewelry collection can be personalized with children's names. Some of the mother's bracelets are classic and elegant tennis bracelets. Also Personalized Picture Pendants are very popular this year. Some are charm bracelets that can be expanded each year with a new charm. There should be something for most any mom in this assortment.

3) Mother's Pendants
This is the place to look if you think your mom would like a special mother and child cameo, or maybe a heart fashioned into the figure of a mother embracing her child. There are all sorts of pendants here. Some are made with children's birthstones, including a few contemporary sterling bar pendants.

4) Mother's Lockets
These lockets depict mothers and children, many within hearts, and mom gets a bonus with this mother's jewelry - a place to display that tiny picture of you as a baby. There are plenty of price ranges represented here and you'll find all types of jewelry metal choices.

5) Italian Charms for Mom
How about buying mom an Italian charm bracelet? There are lots of charms made especially for mothers. Italian charm bracelets and charms are affordable and you can add a few special charms to her collection every year.