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History of Mother’s Day

Although the dates may vary, most countries around the world have a special day of the year for a celebration of motherhood. In the United Kingdom the day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, three weeks before Easter Sunday, and may also be known as Mothering Day. Most westernised countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. Other countries may use a different day, depending on local traditions.

In the UK, the practice is believed to have Christian origins and started in the 16^th century. It was a day chosen for all Christians to visit their mother church, which resulted in families being reunited with their mothers annually. It’s believed many apprentices and servants were released for the weekend to have time for visiting families.

In the United States, the day is believed to have it’s origins after the American Civil War. Julia Ward Howe wrote the “Mothers Day Proclamation” as a call for peace and unity for women against war. However Ward failed in her attempt for formal recognition of a Mother’s Day for Peace. In 1907, Anna Jarvis began her crusade for a formal day in recognition of women, with the first such day being held in the state of Virginia on the 10^th May, 1908. From there, the custom caught on and quickly spread to the states and then to other western countries. In much of the world this special day for women has become heavily commercialised.

Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day

In recent times, Mother’s Day has become a time for pampering the family matriarch. Breakfast in bed is a common practice followed by gift giving. Common gift ideas include flowers, chocolates, jewellery and perfumes. Some other gift suggestions are as follows

• a gift hamper, put the hamper together yourself for a more personal touch

• fashion accessories, such as handbags, scarves or shoes

• scented candles or incense

• a special experience such as a balloon flight, bungee jumping or skydiving

• a visit to a spa or beauty salon

• appliances

• a professional massage

Whatever gift or method of celebrating is chosen, most of us only have one mother. This is their special day, make it one to remember