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While Egyptians, Romans and Greeks celebrated motherly goddesses and mother deities and early Europeans celebrated their mother church (or the church where they were baptized), it wasn't until the 1600s when a clerical decree was issued in England to honor mothers of the human variety. This day was called Mothering Day and was held on a Sunday during Lent. People of the working class were given the day off and allowed to go to their hometowns to visit their families. They were also allowed to break their Lenten traditions for a day and to have a feast to celebrate and honor their mothers. On this day, mothers would enjoy gifts of cake, flowers and visits from relatives.
When the first English settlers reached America they stopped celebrating this tradition. In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, who wrote of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," proclaimed a Mother's Day. Once Howe stopped paying for the Mother's Day celebrations, they died off. In 1908, Anna M. Jarvis requested a Mother's Day celebration at her church in Pennsylvania and more than 400 people attended. Mothers were given carnations as gifts. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day an official holiday. Today carnations are still given out on Mother's Day (see Resources). - Mother's Day gifts are given to pay honor and tribute to mothers. They are given to recognize the important role that mothers play in the lives of their children. For children whose biological mothers are deceased or not part of the lives, they may honor women who have played an important role in their lives. Grandmothers, great-grandmothers and step grandmothers are also given gifts and celebrated on Mother's Day.
- While there are no rules when it comes to giving gifts to moms on Mother's Day, popular gifts include cards, flowers and candy. Younger children may make homemade gifts for Mom with the help of Dad. These may include cards, framed pictures, painted flowerpots and art work. Older children may take their mom out to dinner or purchase her something that she especially likes. In some families, the children will get together and purchase a big group gift, such as a mother's ring that holds the birthstone of all her children or grandchildren. A surprise visit from distant relatives is also a popular and much loved Mother's Day gift. Going to have professional family photos taken is another great gift idea for Mother's Day.
- Mother's Day gifts make mothers feel remembered and special. For mothers who have adult children, it provides an opportunity for everyone to get together. For families with younger children, Mother's Day provides an opportunity to teach children about the value mothers have and to reinforce the importance of honoring, respecting and paying tribute to moms.
- In the United States, Mother's Day is held each year on the second Sunday of May. Gifts can be given any time throughout the day on Mother's Day. Some families will leave gifts out for moms to find first thing in the morning, while others will wait to give gifts during a special time of celebration at a family meal or event. Many churches will honor mothers by ending their service with gifts of carnations to moms.
