Have Mother's Day off pat

Mother’s day has its origin from ancient Greek era. Nevertheless, it was later celebrated mainly by the English in the name of Mother’s Sunday. As many as 46 countries around the world celebrate the Mother’s day in this present-day world. A vast number of people across the earth take the day as an opening to honour their mothers; thank them for their efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their constant support and well wisher.

The Greeks used the occasion to honour Rhea, wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities of Greek tradition. The earliest history of Mothers Day dates back to the ancient annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to maternal goddesses. Similarly, ancient Romans, too, celebrated a spring festival, called Hilaria dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess.

It is worth mentioning here that ceremonies in honour of Cybele began some 250 years before Christ was born. The celebration made on the Ides of March by making offerings in the temple of Cybele lasted for three days and included parades, games and masquerades. The celebrations were notorious enough that followers of Cybele were banished from Rome.

Early Christians celebrated a Mother's Day of sorts during the festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent in honour of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ. In England the holiday was expanded to include all mothers. It was then called Mothering Sunday.

In the present day scenario, the second Sunday of May is celebrated as Mother’s day. For a person called mother who otherwise sacrifices everything for the sake of her kids, the day is dedicated and celebrated as Mother’s day. But, I wonder can we restrict one day celebration in the honour of mothers, who are the origin for the continued existence of the creation?

The Hans India team wishes all mothers a very happy Mother’s Day!!