Mother’s Day
For the past few months, I have been exploring when many national holidays began, like Mother’s Day and the different Mother’s Day traditions around the world. Falling on 9 May, Mother’s Day is recognized in many countries as an opportunity to celebrate the life of women who hold a special place in our society. It is not only for women who have born children but also for women who have played a significant role in a child’s life.
Many of us agree that one day out of the year is not enough to celebrate the special women of our society, but it is a start. Let’s look at the origins.
When did Mother’s Day start?
Mother’s Day origins is a bit of a controversy. There are reports that the practice of celebrating mothers may have started during the ancient Greek civilization where they honoured the mother of the Olympian gods, Rhea. During the 16th century, the UK and Ireland, on the fourth Sunday in Lent, celebrated Mothering Sunday. This date remains the same to this day. Later, in the USA, the idea of honouring mothers was modernized by Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis.
When Anna Jarvis made the first proposal in 1908 to make the day an official holiday, the US government rejected it, citing they would also have to proclaim a “Mother-in-law’s Day“. By 1911, all states within the country observed the holiday in some fashion. The day became a national holiday in the US in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as the day to honour mothers.
Mother’s Day traditions around the world
There are different mother day traditions around the world. In many countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May. The UK recognizes the day on the 4th Sunday of Lent, France the 4th Sunday in May, Argentina the 3rd Sunday in October, Russia the last Sunday of November, whilst in Egypt and several other Arab countries, the day falls on March 21, usually the first day of spring.
While some countries celebrate the day by giving the special lady a break from cooking or duties, many are also provided with flowers and gift-giving. There are also some great traditions worldwide. Many families attend a church service on the day. The government of France used to give women of large families medals; the current custom is to provide a flower-shaped cake. In Thailand, there are ceremonies and parades; Japan gives white carnation flowers.
What the Bible says about Mother’s Day
What does the Bible say about Mother’s Day? The Bible does not mention those exact words, but the Word repeatedly outlines the need to respect and honour our parents. The Bible provides an outline for all women with some beautiful verses. Here are some great bible verses to celebrate Mother’s Day:
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:26-27
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 11:16
A kindhearted woman gains honor.
Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Food for thought
How are you celebrating the women in your life who have made a difference? Not just your mother, but Aunties, teachers, and community members, who cared about you and played a vital role in who you are today. This year may be a bit different as we still struggle with the new reality of a pandemic but let’s honour the women who raised and many times sacrificed for us.
Prayer
Gracious Father, in Your infinite wisdom and grace, You created woman. May we live out the purpose You have written for each of our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen
One thought on “Mother’s Day”