STORIES BY MANYAVAR & MOHEY
Lifestyle
The Heartfelt History: Why Do We Celebrate Mother's Day?
Date 02 May 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins
Mothers. Our first friends, fiercest protectors, and forever cheerleaders. They wear a hundred hats and love us unconditionally. So it's only fitting that we dedicate a special day to honour these superwomen in our lives.
But have you ever wondered about the origin of Mother's Day? How this celebration of motherhood came to be, and what is the true significance of Mother's Day in shaping our expressions of love and gratitude?
Let's take a heartwarming journey through the centuries to uncover the roots of this beloved occasion and explore why we celebrate Mother's Day.
The Origin and Importance of Mother's Day
The concept of honouring motherhood dates back to ancient times. The Greeks and Romans held festivals in honour of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. 'Mothering Sunday' was celebrated in the UK as early as the 16th century.
To truly understand why we celebrate Mother's Day, we must look to its more recent origins in the United States. In 1908, Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers. Motivated by her mother’s legacy, Anna began a campaign to make Mother's Day a recognised holiday.
Her efforts culminated in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, marking it as the official occasion in which Mother's Day is celebrated annually.
Why Do We Celebrate Mother's Day?
At its core, why do we celebrate Mother's Day is a question that invites us to reflect on the profound influence mothers have in shaping our lives. It's a time to honour their sacrifices, wisdom, and unconditional love. The second Sunday of May in which day Mother's Day is celebrated is a heartfelt tribute to mothers worldwide.
Beyond individual families, Mother’s Day also shines a light on the broader influence of mothers in society. They are our first teachers, shaping our values and worldviews. Often the unsung heroes, they juggle responsibilities, manage crises with grace, and advocate fiercely for their children and communities.
If you’ve ever wondered how is Mother’s Day celebrated across different cultures, the answer often lies in this universal act of honouring their love and sacrifice, through gestures big and small, personal and public.
The Evolution of Mother's Day Celebrations
From its humble beginnings, Mother's Day has grown into a global phenomenon. The way we celebrate has evolved, reflecting changing times and cultural norms, and prompting many to reflect on why do we celebrate Mother's Day in the first place.
Early observances were intimate and heartfelt, often marked by church services and the wearing of carnations. Sons and daughters would visit their mothers, bringing along flowers and handmade cards, making it a personal expression of love.
Today, Mother's Day is a major economic event, with billions spent on gifts, meals, and experiences, including various Mother's Day celebration ideas that cater to every kind of family tradition.
Yet, amidst the commercialisation, the essence of the day remains the same: to honour, appreciate, and celebrate the unbreakable bond between mother and child.
The Importance of Mother's Day in Different Cultures
Mother's Day is celebrated in over 50 countries, each with its own traditions and customs that offer insight into why we celebrate Mother's Day in such unique and heartfelt ways.
In India, mothers are revered as goddesses, and the celebration of their love is truly sacred. The occasion is marked with special meals, gifts, and rituals. Children touch their mother's feet as a sign of respect. Hindus will also perform the 'Mata Ki Chowki', a prayer ceremony honouring the divine mother. These acts of devotion and gratitude are a part of the many Mother’s Day celebration ideas across cultures that emphasise honouring the maternal figure.
In Mexico, Mother's Day (Día de las Madres) is celebrated on May 10th. Families gather for a special meal, often serenading mom with mariachi songs. The day holds deep cultural significance, tied to the venerated Virgin Mary.
In Japan, Mother's Day coincides with the blooming of red carnations, symbolising a mother's purity, sweetness, and endurance. Children draw portraits of their mothers and enter them in art contests, embodying the significance of Mother's Day as a moment to celebrate not only the nurturing role of mothers but also their strength and grace.
These diverse celebrations underscore the importance of Mother’s Day as a reflection of cultural values, religious customs, and societal traditions that honour and appreciate mothers around the world. Yet, the common thread that remains is a deep appreciation for the role of mothers, reminding us why we celebrate Mother's Day worldwide.
The Commercialisation of Mother's Day
Today, how Mother’s Day is celebrated beautifully blends heartfelt emotions with a touch of indulgence. From jewellery and spa treatments to brunches and gift hampers, brands go all out to make the day feel extra special.
While some feel the celebration has become too commercial, many recognize it as a reflection of the importance of Mother’s Day—a special time to show how much we cherish our moms. After all, what better excuse to spoil her with something she might not buy for herself?
Whether it's a floral sharara suit, a pampering session, or a handwritten card, every gesture, big or small, becomes a way to say, “You matter.” And for families with packed schedules, these thoughtful gifts and experiences as Mother's Day celebration ideas offer a sweet, simple way to celebrate the women who do it all.
The Impact of Mother's Day Celebrations
Beyond the familiar brunches and bouquets, Mother's Day holds deeper social significance. It shines a light on issues like maternal health, emotional well-being, and work-life balance—offering a moment to reflect on the unique challenges and strengths of motherhood.
Understanding on which day Mother’s Day is celebrated—the second Sunday of May—adds to its global resonance, reminding us that honouring mothers is a collective, heartfelt gesture across cultures.
The day promotes intergenerational bonding, urging us to slow down in our fast-paced lives and connect with the maternal figures who shape us. Simple rituals like shared meals or storytelling become treasured moments that strengthen family ties. With unique Mother's Day celebration ideas, you can show your mother how special she is.
However, for some, the occasion is bittersweet—a day marked by absence, distance, or memory. But even in loss, Mother's Day offers healing, allowing us to honour and remember mothers no longer with us.
When we reflect on how is Mother’s Day celebrated around the world, we see that beyond commercial traditions, it’s the everyday love, resilience, and nurturing spirit of mothers that truly define the day.
Ultimately, the significance of Mother's Day lies in its ability to unite us in celebration of the most fundamental human relationship. It transcends age, race, and culture - because the love of a mother is a universal language.
A Timeless Tribute to a Mother’s Love
Today, we celebrate Mother's Day in myriad ways—from intimate family gatherings to grand gestures of appreciation. But why do we celebrate Mother's Day? It's to honour the quiet sacrifices, the boundless strength, and the unwavering love that define motherhood.
As you plan your Mother's Day celebration ideas, consider what would make her feel cherished and valued. For the modern Indian mom, what could be more fitting than a stylish Indo-Western for women or instead a gorgeous Banarasi Silk Saree from the Mother's Day collection at Mohey. With our blend of classic and contemporary elegance, these ensembles are a perfect tribute to the women who inspire us every day.
Here's to the mothers, the grandmothers, the aunts, and all the maternal figures who shape our world. May we honour them not just on Mother's Day, but every day, recognising the importance of Mother's Day as a reminder to celebrate the love, care, and wisdom they provide year-round.
Happy Mother's Day!
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