Mother’s Day is a beautiful celebration that gives us the chance to show our appreciation for all the incredible mums, grandmothers, and mother figures in our lives. But have you ever wondered where the tradition actually came from?
A Look Back in Time
Mother’s Day as we know it today has roots that go back thousands of years. In Ancient Greece, people held festivals to honour Rhea, the mother of the gods. Similarly, the Romans celebrated a mother goddess named Cybele.
Fast forward to 17th-century England, and we find a tradition called “Mothering Sunday.” This special day was held during Lent, when people would return to their “mother church” and reunite with their families — often bringing flowers or small gifts for their mums.
The Modern Mother’s Day Movement
The Mother’s Day we celebrate today really took shape in the early 1900s, thanks to a woman named Anna Jarvis in the United States. She was inspired by her own mother’s dedication and worked tirelessly to create a special day to recognise the sacrifices and love of mothers everywhere.
By 1914, Mother’s Day was officially recognised in the U.S., and soon other countries began adopting the idea. Here in Australia, we began celebrating Mother’s Day in the early 1920s — and it’s been a much-loved tradition ever since.
An Aussie Touch
In Australia, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May, and it’s a time for families to come together and show gratitude. From breakfast in bed and handmade cards to bunches of fresh flowers and warm hugs, it’s all about making mum feel special.
At Arden Early Learning, we love celebrating Mother’s Day with the children by talking about what makes their mums so wonderful — and of course, making some heartfelt gifts to take home.
