Mother’s Day is a special event celebrated worldwide to respect and value mothers and motherhood.
It is observed in India every year on the second Sunday in May.
The origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman festivals honouring mother goddesses such as Rhea and Cybele.
The first Mother’s Day was observed in England in the 17th Century on a day known as “Mothering Sunday.”
In medieval times, it became a tradition for those who had moved away to return to their hometowns, reconnect with their ‘mother’ churches, and their mothers.
The fourth Sunday of Lent transformed into a cherished day where people honour their mothers.
Although it’s often called Mother’s Day in the UK, it has no connection with the American Mother’s Day.
The modern Mother’s Day as we know it today was popularised in the early 20th Century by Anna Jarvis, an American activist.
In the wake of her mother’s death, Jarvis wanted to set aside a day to honour the sacrifices of mothers for their children.
She campaigned for a national day to honour mothers as a way to express gratitude for their selfless dedication.
Her efforts resulted in President Woodrow Wilson proclaiming the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in 1914.
The US version of the day falls on the second Sunday of May.
This day is celebrated across 50 countries around the world.
Russia and some of its neighbouring countries club Mother’s Day with International Women’s Day.
It has its origins in rights movements and the struggle for women’s right to vote.
Thailand celebrates the Day on 12 August, the birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit.