The Evolution of Mother's Day: From Religious Observance to Global Celebration

The history of Mother's Day dates back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, where festivals were held in honor of mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. Later on, in the 17th century, England celebrated a holiday called "Mothering Sunday," which was a Christian celebration held on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honor mothers.

The modern-day version of Mother's Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century. Anna Jarvis, a social activist, started campaigning for a national day to honor mothers after her own mother passed away in 1905. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day in the US.

Since then, the celebration of Mother's Day has spread around the world and is observed in many countries. However, the date and customs vary depending on the country.

In the UK, Mothering Sunday is still celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, but it has taken on a more secular form, similar to Mother's Day in the US. In many other countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Mother's Day is celebrated on the same day as in the US.

In some countries, such as Spain and Portugal, Mother's Day is celebrated on December 8th, which is the feast of the Immaculate Conception. In Russia, Mother's Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in November.

The customs and traditions of Mother's Day also vary depending on the country. In many countries, it is a day to honor mothers with gifts, cards, and flowers. In some countries, such as Mexico, it is celebrated with a special meal or party. In others, such as Thailand, it is a day to pay respects to the queen, who is considered the mother of the country.

Overall, Mother's Day is a special day to honor and appreciate mothers around the world, and it is celebrated in many different ways depending on the culture and customs of each country.

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