ALT-3 History of Mothers Day
'The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world', Mother's day is the day to celebrate and appreciate that hand'.
The origins of Mother's day can be traced to festivals in the Greek and Roman history dedicated to Mother Goddess. In Greek mythology, Rhea, the wife of Cronus (the leader of the first generation of Titans), who saved her son Zeus by hiding him from his father was worshiped and revered in a spring festival. In Rome, Cybele who was originally a Phrygian goddess was worshiped in the Neolithic era in a festival celebrated during the Ides of March (March 15 March 18).Mothering Sunday' was celebrated in England on the fourth Sunday of Lent, to honor the Virgin Mother of Jesus, despite being de-linked from Mothers day, the customs associated with Mother's day could have its origins with this day. After a church service to honor the Virgin Mother, children often gave gifts to their own mothers. During this period those working away from their homes were encouraged to go home to visit their mothers and carry gifts such as cakes and flowers for them. Mother was treated as a guest of honor in the festivities than ensued.
Anna Jarvis is attributed with the origin of the Mother's day celebrations in the United States. Her vision was to create a revolution, a day when people would take the time off to appreciate their mothers by words and deeds. Anna was inspired by her own mother a social worker who strived to recognize mothers for their patience, strength and dedication. Her mother had expressed a desire for a day to be kept aside to honor these marvelous people for their contribution to society. Anna along with her supporters petitioned with those in power to officially declare a Mothers Day' celebration. The result of her efforts was the celebration of Mother's day not only in the United States but all over the world. On May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
Subsequently the Mother's Day International Association on December 12, 1912 with an aim to encourage significant observances of the event across the world. Julia Ward Howe, an activist, and a writer urged for an official celebration of Mothers day in the US with her famous mothers day proclamation.
Mother's day is celebrated the world over with great fervor of gift giving, it has become so commercialized to the extent that while presenting one's Mother with gifts people often tend the forget the real reason and need of Mother's day.
