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Originally conceived by Julia Ward Howe after the American Civil War as a day honoring (in her opinion) the inherent pacifism
of mothers, Mother's Day now simply celebrates motherhood and thanking mothers. Mothers often receive gifts on this day.
Mother's Days are celebrated on various days of the year in different countries because they have a number of different
origins. One school of thought claims this day emerged from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece. Mother worship �
which kept a festival to Cybele, a great mother of gods, and Rhea, the wife of Cronus � was held on March 15 to March 18
around Asia Minor. In most countries, Mother's Day is a new concept copied from western civilization. In many African
countries, Mother's Day has its origins in copying the British concept. In most of East Asia, Mother's Day is a heavily
marketed and commercialised concept copied straight from Mother's Day in the USA. |
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Mothering Sunday in the United Kingdom falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent (typically March or early April); it is commonly
called "Mother's Day" but has no direct connection to the American practice. It is believed to have originated from the
Christian practice of visiting ones mother church annually, this meant that most familes would be reunited on this day. Most
historians believe that young apprentices and young women in servitude were released by their masters that weekend in order
to visit their families. |
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In the United States, it is tradtional to bring flowers and take your mother to lunch or brunch. As in other countries, if a
family is not able to be with their mother on this special day, they will often send cards, flowers or gifts to mark the
occasion. Others will simply give the gift of their time, spending time with their mother, having a special meal or taking
Mother for an enjoyable outing. |
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In Australia the white chrysanthemum has taken the place of the carnation, being the most prolific flower in season in May.
All along our roadways you will see people with buckets containing bunches of colourful chrysanthemums, for sale on Mother's
Day. Many people stop on route to their visit their own mothers, and in remembrance of their care and love, purchase these
colourful gifts. Church services make special mention of the devotion of mothers to the task of caring for and raising their
children, reminding families to take special care of their mothers. |
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Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Japan, Australia and Belgium celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, however
some countries observe it on a different day. Sweden and France chose to celebrate this occasion on the last Sunday in May,
and the French often treat this occasion similarly to a family birthday, when the family gathers together for a celebration
meal culminating in the enjoyment of a special Mother's Day cake. We see once again the connection between Mother's Day and
Spring festivals, as in Lebanon it is held on the first day of spring, South Africa holds its celebration on the first Sunday
in May. Argentina and India observe Mother's Day in October. The festival Durga Puja in honour of Durga, the Divine Mother
and most important Hindu goddess in India is celebrated with a 10 day festival in early October. Spain and Portugal celebrate
Mother's Day on December 8th, when they not only honour mothers but attend religious services to honour the Virgin Mary. |
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Anna Jarvis' aim had been for this Day to increase respect for parents and strengthen family bonds. She believed that the
gift of time and the giving of ourselves were the important aspects of setting aside a day. No matter from which country we
originate, or what time of the year we celebrate, the central theme honouring one's mother is uniform the world over.
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