Origins of Mother's Day

Origins of Mother's Day

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Gold]Lawrence Gold

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Ana Jarvis

As Mother's Day 2009 approaches, some curious thoughts come to mind about the tradition.
Flowers, chocolates, wine and poetry -- traditional gifts of Mother's Day -- also traditional gifts used by a man to woo a woman. But your mother doesn't need wooing -- she's yours! So, there's something in common that doesn't have to do with wooing, but which does have to do with a woman's emotional nature.


Origins of Mother's Day in the West

Although bouquets of flowers are traditional gifts on Mother's Day, it wasn't always so, just as there wasn't always a Mother's Day. Anna Jarvis was the founder of Mother's day, and carnations were the first flower to represent Mother's Day. Anna gave a white carnation to every person at one of the earliest celebrations of Mother's Day as a symbol of the purity of the love of her mother, Ann Jarvis, who did selfless work on behalf of miners to get better working conditions. Anna chose the carnation because it was her mother's favorite flower. Thus, she started the custom of wearing a carnation on Mother's Day. The purity of a woman's love has to do with devotion and kindness, and the giving of flowers has to do with the acknowledgment of that devotion.

Mother's Day is celebrated around the world -- and at all times during the year, according to the culture. In most countries, Mother's Day is a recent observance derived from the holiday as it has evolved in North America and Europe. Many African countries adopted the idea of Mother's Day from the British, although many festivals and events celebrate mothers within the diverse cultures of the African continent and long pre-date colonization.

Origin in the East

Mother's Day is celebrated worldwide. In Nepal and other countries following Hindu traditions, it's called "Mata Tirtha Aunshi" or "Mother Pilgrimage fortnight". There is a very interesting legend regarding this pilgrimage. In ancient time, Lord Krishna's mother, Devaki, walked out her house for some sight-seeing. She visited many places and was long in returning. Lord Krishna became very unhappy because of his mother's absence, so he went out in search of her. He wandered to many places without success. At last, when he reached "Mata Tirtha Kunda", he found his mother bathing in a pond. Lord Krishna was very happy to find her and told her of all of his longings during her absence. Mother Devaki said to Lord Krishna, "Oh! Son Krishna! Then let this place be a place of pilgrimage for children to meet their departed mothers." Legends hold that since then, this place has been a holy pilgrimage site for devotees to see their deceased mothers. Also, legend has it that one devotee saw his mother's image inside the pond and died falling in, there. To this day, there is, in that place, a small pond fenced by iron rods. After worship there on Mother's Day, pilgrims enjoy festive singing and dancing throughout the day. There is no evidence of the events of this legend actually happening; it comes from elders based on ancient readings.

Enjoy Mother's Day poems by the poet, Nicolas Gordon, and sayings by many famous personages. You'll be surprised -- and you can use these poems and sayings in your own, original Mother's Day card.

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She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.
Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her:
Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.
~Proverbs 31:10, 25-30~

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