Contrary to the perception of its current commercialization, the origins of Mother’s Day go back to ancient times when Greeks threw celebrations in honor of Rhea, the mother of Zeus.
However, the modern concept of Mother’s Day was primarily influenced by the women’s movements in England and America. In 1865, an American woman named Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis initiated “Mothers Friendships Day,” a gathering where mothers could share ideas and support one another.
The person credited as the founder of the modern Mother’s Day is her daughter, Anna Marie Jarvis, who was a Methodist. On May 12, 1907, she organized a “Memorial Mothers Day Meeting” in Grafton, USA, on the second Sunday after her mother’s passing.
With Mother’s Day gaining momentum, Anna Marie Jarvis aimed for official recognition. She launched a power campaign, sending letters to politicians, business tycoons, spiritual leaders, and women’s groups. By 1909, 45 states in the USA had already adopted Mother’s Day, and in 1914, it became a national holiday.
The celebration of Mother’s Day also spread worldwide. After its adoption in Great Britain, other countries such as Switzerland (1917), Finland and Norway (1918), Sweden (1919), Germany (1923), and Austria (1924) began celebrating the holiday.
In Luxembourg, the exact date of the establishment of Mother’s Day is unknown. However, it is worth noting that it does not coincide with the date observed by most other countries. This difference can be traced back to the octave of May. To avoid overlapping with other celebrations, Luxembourg’s Mother’s Day was placed on the second Sunday in June. However, there are instances where this day can coincide with Pentecost.
Although Mother’s Day is not a public holiday, it provides an opportunity to reflect on and express gratitude to mothers worldwide for their love and everything they do for their children. Gift-giving is not a requirement, as many mothers appreciate the simple act of spending quality time with their loved ones.