A mother’s love and devotion is a powerful force that nurtures her family, creating bonds that endure through every challenge and triumph. She is often the glue that holds everyone together, offering strength, comfort, and unwavering support.
It was with this love and devotion that Anna Jarvis was inspired to create Mother’s Day in the United States, honouring not just her own mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, but all mothers who give selflessly of themselves. Ann wasn’t just a mother to her own children—she was a guiding force, founding “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” in the late 1850s to improve health and sanitation. She organised women to support struggling mothers and their children, nursed soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and, after the war, worked tirelessly to promote unity and healing in her community. Her devotion was limitless, and it was Ann’s dream to have a day dedicated to mothers—a dream that Anna would fulfill after her mother’s passing.
In 1908, the first official Mother’s Day was held in Grafton, West Virginia, Anna’s hometown. She invited families to join her in recognising the profound influence of motherhood and to remember her own mother, who had passed away three years earlier. Following the celebration, Anna’s idea gained support nationwide, leading her to campaign for Mother’s Day to be recognised as an official holiday. She chose the second Sunday in May, marking the anniversary of her mother’s passing.
Within a few short years, the celebration spread across most U.S. states and internationally to Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May a national holiday in the United States.
Through Anna’s determination, Mother’s Day became a celebration of the quiet sacrifices and unconditional love that mothers embody, inspiring families worldwide to pause and say, “Thank you”.
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A Mother Goddesses
Motherhood is such a cherished and sacred bond in our lives today, yet in ancient times, it was revered in ways that went beyond the human experience. In our modern world, we turn to science and reason to understand the beauty of life’s beginnings, but in ancient times, people turned to the divine. They believed that mother goddesses, full of grace and strength, embodied creation, love and protection. These goddesses were seen as the very heart of life itself, shining brightly through the ages and across cultures.
In ancient Egypt, the goddess Mut was revered as a symbol of motherhood and protection. Her name, meaning “mother”, reflected her role as the nurturer of life. Often depicted wearing a double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt with a vulture headdress, Mut provided guidance and strength, ensuring the well-being of both rulers and people. Worshippers honoured her as the mother of gods and pharaohs in grand temples like Karnak. Her nurturing power was seen as essential to the balance of life, with her presence symbolising the eternal bond between a mother and her children and the life-giving force that sustains all.
In ancient Greece, the bond between Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, and her daughter Persephone is one of the most powerful stories of motherhood. When Hades abducted Persephone and took her to the underworld, Demeter's grief knew no bounds. The crops withered, and the land became barren, bringing famine and hardship to the world. As Demeter searched tirelessly for her daughter, the earth remained cold and lifeless, a reflection of her heartache.
Refusing to give up hope, Demeter eventually discovered Persephone's whereabouts and demanded her return. Hades, understanding the strength of a mother's love, agreed. However, because Persephone had eaten a pomegranate seed offered by Hades, she was unknowingly bound to the underworld. She had to return there for part of each year. Each time Persephone left, Demeter's sorrow brought the earth into winter—bare and unyielding—while her joy upon Persephone's return sparked the arrival of spring and summer, with fruit and flowers sprouting. This eternal cycle of reunion and separation symbolises the undying love between mother and child, shaping the world with both warmth and growth, as well as sorrow and stillness.
Each culture has its own maternal figure, often represented by a goddess, but not always. For instance, in Christianity, the Virgin Mary embodies unwavering devotion and love for her son, Jesus, making her a symbol of compassion, strength, and sacrifice as she embraced both the joys and pains of motherhood. Freyja, the Norse goddess, watched over women in childbirth, while the Māori goddess Papatūānuku, or Mother Earth, was the source of all life—birds, trees, and people were born from the land she nurtured. In Aztec tradition, goddess Chantico, meaning “she who dwells in the house”, is the protector of family and domestic life, representing the warmth and care a mother provides.
The devotion to mother goddesses across cultures shows how motherhood is universally seen as a powerful force of creation, protection, and love.
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Celebrating Mums
Mother's Day is a special occasion celebrated worldwide, though the date of observance can vary between countries. While the second Sunday in May is the most widely recognised date, some countries choose to honour mothers during Lent. In many Eastern European countries, Mother’s Day is beautifully intertwined with International Women’s Day on 8 March, a day that celebrates the strength and grace of women everywhere. In a few other countries, the celebration falls later in the year, like August, October or November.
In the United States, the day honours mothers with family gatherings, where children express their gratitude with gifts, cards, and flowers. When the tradition began, Anna Jarvis chose carnations as the traditional flower because they were her mother’s favourite. The flower’s long-lasting nature and soft, frilled petals symbolised the enduring love and strength of mothers, making it a fitting tribute. Over time, other beautiful blooms, like roses, became part of the tradition, each delicate petal a declaration of gratitude and affection for the special mums in our lives.
In Mexico, Mother's Day, known as "Día de las Madres", is celebrated on 10 May. Families gather for a festive day of singing, dancing, and feasting. It’s common for children to serenade their mothers with "Las Mañanitas", traditionally a birthday song that is also sung on Mother’s Day.
Mothering Sunday, observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, is a tradition dating back to the 16th century in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Originally, it was a day when people returned to their "mother church" for a special service, and workers were given the day off to visit their parish, the place of their birth. Since this was a rare occasion, workers also took the opportunity to visit their mothers, not just the church. Wildflowers were often picked for both the church and their mothers, who were treated to Simnel cake (traditional fruitcake), mothering buns or fig pie.
In Japan, "Haha no Hi" is a day to show appreciation, often with red carnations, which symbolise purity and sweetness. On the other hand, white carnations are reserved to honour mothers who have passed away when visiting their graves. While some believe Mother's Day in Japan was first celebrated on 6 March 1931 to mark Empress Kōjun’s birthday (mother of Emperor Akihito), others suggest it may have been introduced by missionaries in 1913. However, in 1949, Japan officially adopted the second Sunday in May as the date for Mother's Day. A culinary specialty for the day includes egg dishes, such as tamagoyaki, a rectangular omelette or chawanmushi, a custard egg served with chicken or shrimp.
Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, Mother's Day is part of the "Antrosht" celebration, a three-day feast marking the end of the rainy season. Families gather for a communal meal to honour mothers with traditional dishes. Children bring ingredients for a special hash recipe: girls provide spices, vegetables, cheese, and butter, while boys bring a lamb or bull. The mother then prepares and serves the meal. Afterwards, mothers and daughters apply butter to their faces and chests, a ritual symbolising beauty, nourishment, and cultural heritage. The men sing songs honouring their family and ancestors, celebrating the role of mothers in their lives.
Each of these celebrations highlights the central role mothers play in society, but the expressions of love and gratitude vary, reflecting the distinct cultural values of each community.
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Traditional Dishes
Taking Mum out for a special brunch on Mother's Day is always such a warm and intimate experience. It’s a chance to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the heart of the family. But I’ve come to realise that a special celebration doesn’t always need to be about going out. When I look around the world, I see how different cultures beautifully honour Mum on her special day at home, preparing traditional dishes that hold special meaning.
In Mexico, for example, Día de las Madres is celebrated with a feast of traditional Mexican dishes. Families come together to enjoy tamales, corn dough filled with meats, cheeses, or chilies, alongside rich mole sauce served with chicken and enchiladas filled with meats or cheeses. Pozole, a hearty soup made with hominy and meat, is also popular, often garnished with fresh toppings like radishes, lettuce, and lime.
In Ethiopia, during Antrosht, families prepare a feast showcasing their cuisine's heartiness. Doro wat is a spicy chicken stew served with injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour. Kitfo, a dish of minced raw beef seasoned with spices and clarified butter, often makes an appearance along with vegetable dishes.
With Mothering Sunday falling during Lent in the United Kingdom, many families celebrate with a rich roast dinner. Enjoying roast lamb or beef is common, served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, vegetables, and rich, flavourful gravy. For dessert, there might be scones served with clotted cream and jam, Welsh cakes or the delightfully gooey sticky toffee pudding, a perfect end to a hearty meal.
In France, Mother’s Day is often marked by a leisurely family lunch, with dishes like quiche, coq au vin, and bouillabaisse. Quiche, a savoury tart made with eggs, cheese, and vegetables, might be served alongside coq au vin, chicken cooked in red wine with mushrooms and onions. Bouillabaisse, a Provençal fish stew, is another classic dish, and for dessert, a tarte aux fruits or delicate macarons might be enjoyed.
Isn’t it wonderful to see how mums are revered and celebrated around the world? These dishes showcase the culinary diversity of each culture and remind us of the central role food plays in family celebrations and in honouring our mums. What have you planned for Mother’s Day?
