Mother’s Day is a holiday celebrated around the world to honor mothers and mother figures. In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May each year. In this article, we will explore the history and reasons why Mother’s Day is celebrated in May.

The Origins of Mother’s Day

The origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where festivals were held to honor maternal figures. The ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. In the early Christian church, Mother’s Day was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honor the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.

In the United States, the modern-day celebration of Mother’s Day began in the early 20th century. In 1908, Anna Jarvis held the first Mother’s Day celebration in West Virginia to honor her own mother. The holiday gained popularity, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, a national holiday.

The Reason for May

There are several reasons why Mother’s Day is celebrated in May. One reason is that May is a month of new beginnings, and Mother’s Day is a celebration of new life and the nurturing qualities of motherhood. In the northern hemisphere, May is also a time of spring, when flowers are in bloom and the weather is warming up. Many people give flowers as a gift on Mother’s Day, and the abundance of flowers in May makes it a natural choice for the holiday.

Another reason why Mother’s Day is celebrated in May is that it is a time of year when families can gather together. With the school year winding down and summer vacation approaching, many families have more free time in May to spend with their mothers and other family members.

The International Mother’s Day Shrine

The International Mother’s Day Shrine is located in Grafton, West Virginia, the site of the first Mother’s Day celebration held by Anna Jarvis. The shrine was established in 1962 to honor the memory of Anna Jarvis and to promote the celebration of Mother’s Day around the world. The shrine includes a museum, archives, and a gift shop, and hosts an annual Mother’s Day celebration each year.

Controversy Surrounding Mother’s Day

While Mother’s Day is a widely celebrated holiday, it is not without controversy. Some people argue that the commercialization of the holiday has overshadowed its original intent, and that it has become more about buying gifts and cards than honoring mothers. Others point out that the holiday can be difficult for those who have lost their mothers, or for those who have strained relationships with their mothers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mother’s Day is celebrated in May in the United States as a way to honor mothers and mother figures. The holiday has its roots in ancient civilizations and was popularized in the early 20th century. May was chosen as the month for the holiday due to its association with new beginnings and family gatherings. While the holiday is widely celebrated, it is not without controversy, and some argue that the commercialization of the holiday has overshadowed its original intent.