History and Significance of Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is a concept born in the age of the Romans and since then, it has been celebrated in different parts of the world in various ways. Though Mother’s Day is about celebration, merrymaking, exchange of gifts, and pampering our beloved mothers, not many of us are aware of the revolutionary roots of the day. Three iconic women Ann Reeves Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Ann’s daughter, Anna M. Jarvis were the pioneers of the special day which began as a social movement of women in the mid-1800s in pursuit of a better life for Americans. Mothers came forward to fight for issues like better health, love, and welfare of the Americans. Let’s have a sneak peek into the history of this day that has brought it into being and meet some wonderful historical mothers who have given us meaningful life lessons. If you are wondering when is mothers day in India, you can go through the article and choose to send mothers day gifts to India.

History of Mother’s Day

Often known as Mother Jarvees, Ann Reeves Jarvis was the real founding mother of Mother’s Day. She was also a teacher and activist who organized sanitation of mothers and children. Her activities varied from, treating the children of Appalachia that could be prevented to organizing women's brigades during the Civil War which encouraged the ladies to render services and help regardless of the side their partners had chosen. These actions and activities were an advance towards the development of the roles of women in society as it broke the shackles of social norms and they could stand up for a cause they strongly believed in. 

Author of ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’, Julie Ward Howe was a poet and reformer who volunteered for the US Sanitary Commission and worked for hygienic conditions in hospitals. She came up with the concept of ‘Mother’s Day for Peace’ to celebrate peace and promote it after the scars of Europe’s Franco-Prussian War. She believed that women had the inherent capacity to make the world a peaceful abode with compassion, affection, and kindness. She asked women to assemble to promote peace and prevent the cruelty of war. Some groups grabbed this opportunity to raise funds for charitable causes. But Anne Jarvis strongly opposed this idea. She believed that the fundraisers would use this occasion to make money instead of helping the people in need. She wanted this day to honor this day to all mothers. She fought against the commercialization of this day and also fought custody battles over Mother’s Day. The illustrious past of Mother’s Day advocated for peace and spoke about eradicating violence. Today, Mother’s Day is about celebrating the essence of motherhood and the various roles of mothers in our lives. 

Significance of Mother’s Day today

This festival is celebrated across 48 countries on various days. Though the days of celebration are different, the feeling and essence remain the same - to show gratitude for their efforts. The Mother’s Day celebration has undergone a big transformation in recent years. Earlier Mother’s Day celebrations included praying for the mother's well-being, feasting, and a barbecue. But today, gifting has become an integral part of Mother's Day. Even if you are away from your mothers, these gifts act as a token of love and remembrance. Some stores have come up with a huge array of gifts like flowers, jewelry, memorable show pieces & cakes to India on Mother's Day. There are photo albums gifted to moms that can take her down memory lane. These help people to celebrate special memories with their mothers and revisit the special days. Some also make handmade gifts to show their respect and affection for their mother. This day now has become one of the significant days for both the mother and children.

Mothers from the roots of our Mythology

Mother's Day in Sanskrit is called “Matru Vandana”, which means worshipping of a mother. Our culture shows mothers as an embodiment of fertility, care, protection, strength, and character. The one who nurtures life creates the force of beings. Thus, we have some mothers from the pages of the epics that present distinct forms of motherhood. Let’s have a look at the mothers from our mythology. 

Shakti

She is the mother of all Goddesses. She protects the earth from evil forces. Of all the mythological mothers, she is known to be the most divine. She knows how to take care of her admirers as her children. She is the destroyer of ego, ignorance, and evil. She acts as a nurturing refuge. For we know whatever situation we are in, she will be our shoulder to lean on.

Devi Durga

The Goddess with ten arms, armed with weapons is the symbol of strength and motherhood. She shows what a mother can do when called for help from her children. She slays demons on her way to her abode with her children. The family shows a wonderful image of compassion lives in harmony and is managed by the matriarch. Goddess Durga is the image of matriarchy and implies that a mother can slay any evil forces trying to hurt her children. 

Parvati

She is the finest example of beauty, creativity, love, and devotion. She had immense love for her son, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya. She is also said to possess a gentle and nurturing characteristic of Shakti. Ganesha was not born from her womb, instead, she created him using clay, from her hands, energy, and creativity. It also shows that if a mother is determined to do something for her child, she will do it no matter what it takes. It also shows she is the creator and the nurturer of life that can give life to anything.

Yashoda

The world knows and adores the beautiful relationship between Krishna and his mother Yashoda. No one could tell that they weren’t related. However, Yashoda was his foster mother. Maiyya Yashoda is known and respected for her unsurpassable love and adoration for Lord Krishna. She was well known for her blind love for her child. She protected her child from the rebukes and reprimands of the villagers. She knew well that Krishna was well known as the “maakhan chor”. He loved homemade butter more than anything. Even if the Gopis blamed him for causing trouble, Yashoda became his savior. She brings a new perspective on motherhood. She shows motherhood doesn’t imply only in situations when the child and mother are biologically related. Yashoda proved a mother is a mother and can nurture and protect any child and shower love and warmth to them. 

Kunti

Kunti is the foster mother of the powerful and iconic warrior Pandavas from the epic Mahabharat. What is appreciatable about being a mother to five non-biological sons is that she never discriminated against them, nor did she ever compare them to each other. She always taught them to share whatever things they had. She raised her children in a way that whatever situation life may throw at them they must never give up. She taught them to be prepared for the worst. They were trained by her in warfare, politics, and life’s survival skills. They also shared a strong bond. The warriors were raised by a loving yet strict mother. Whatever decisions she made, they never bickered over it. 

Kaushalya

She was considered to be an altruistic lady back then. Being a mother of Lord Rama, she taught him good values and ethics. She was a strong woman, who forgave Kaikeyi, for sending Rama to exile for 14 years. Kaikeyi was the second wife of Lord Dashrath. Kaushalya even forgave her for the loss of marital bliss and happiness, and other misfortunes that befell her. Kaushalya is a mother, a woman who kept forgiveness and humility above everything else. There are many lessons that we can learn from her.

Aditi

According to Rig Veda, Aditi is the Devmata, the mother of all gods. She is known to be the mother of the almighty, Indra. It is believed that before the universe was even created, her womb bore all the heavenly bodies. It is believed that she protects her worshippers. She is their guardian. She tries to fulfill the needs, demands, and wants of her children.

Be it mythological or otherwise, mothers are essential role models in our lives. You might live with her or even away from her, she is someone who is always by your side. No matter the distance and time you can rely on her. The world might be against you, but she will be by your side. There are ways in which you can convey your love and regard to your wonderful mom. One of the classic ways to be expressive of your love is through gifts. The value of the gifts you choose to give to your mother hardly counts. It is the heartfelt emotion and love behind the gifts that certainly leave an indelible mark in the hearts of the mothers. Even if you are far away from your mom on Mother’s Day, you can still touch her heart by sending special gifts.