When the Azalea and Dogwood blooms start to transform into green leaves, it’s time to start thinking about Mother’s Day and selecting that perfect Mother’s Day gift.   I’m partial to gourmet food gifts for this occasion because I think of all those years Mom cooked for our family.  But we’ll talk about the perfect Mother’s Day gift later.

For now I must ask. Did you ever stop to think how cultures celebrate events and occasions year after year without stopping to think and discuss just how the occasion got started in the first place?  Yes, we’re all creatures of habit and habits can make for boredom.  So let’s take a little history lesson and see if we can stir up some interesting conversation about Mother's Day.

Yes Mother’s Day in this age is about Moms but ancient celebrations were about women, goddesses, and the rites of spring and rebirth. History tells us that the Greeks dedicated their spring festival to Rhea, the mother of many deities.  In Rome too Cybele, a mother Goddess, was worshipped as early as 250 BC during a three-day March festival called the Ides of March. 

In the United States Anna M. Jarvis is credited with initiating the celebration of Mother’s Day as we know it today. Anna was an Appalachian homemaker and organized a day to raise awareness of the poor health conditions in her community.  In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, took up where her Mother left off with this quote.  “I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother’s day.  There are many days for men, but none for mothers.”  Anna’s relentless work, deep devotion to her mother, and support from influencers like President Taft paid off.  In 1914 Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday.  And there you have it – the story behind Mother’s Day. 

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