It’s thought that Mother’s Day originated in the US in the 1860s, when Ann Reeves Jarvis organised Mothers’ Friendship Day.
Back then, it wasn’t about celebrating mothers, it was about promoting peace between former Union and Confederate soldiers, who had fought on opposite sides in the Civil War.
Ann’s daughter, Anna Jarvis, continued the tradition and held the first official Mother’s Day service in May 1908, which was also in memory of her own mum. The occasion as we know it evolved from there.
While we share our Mother’s Day date with our American friends, other countries around the world have different days, with different traditions and origins.
Ethiopia – Autumn
Antrosht is a three-day festival held at the end of the rainy season in early autumn, when family members come together to sing, dance, dine and celebrate their mothers.
Japan – second Sunday in May
While Japan used to celebrate Mother's Day on the 6 March – the birthday of the Empress Kōjun – it was changed in 1949 to the second Sunday in May.
Mexico – 10 May
On this widely celebrated ‘Dia de Las Madres’, people honour their mothers by spoiling them with meals out and mariachi bands.
UK – fourth Sunday of Lent
Mother’s Day in the UK has religious origins, marking the day that people would visit the church where they were baptised or, in other words, their ‘Mother Church’.
Nicaragua – May 30
Mother’s Day in Nicaragua is so important that many schools and businesses close for the day to allow families to celebrate together.
New Zealand – second Sunday in May
Many Kiwis choose to celebrate our mothering figures (including dads who are also mums, grandparents and supportive friends or colleagues) with gestures of appreciation. It’s customary to give those who nurture us the day off, with breakfast in bed, lunches out, meaningful messages and gifts that promote self care.
If you’re looking for ideas, our friends at ecostore have some great deals for Mother’s Day. There’s 15% off the Living Nature range, 15% off Anoint Beauty and 20% off ecostore’s personal care range and selected gift sets. Pop along to their shop at 1 Scotland Street for a closer look.
ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, Freemans Bay, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz
#ponsonbynews #iloveponsonby #ponsonby #auckland #aucklandshippestrip #onlyponsonby #ponsonbyroad #Greylynn #freemansbay #westmere #ponsonby #hernebay #stmarysbay #archhill #coxsbay @followers #followers @everyone #everyone #ecostoreauckland #MothersFriendshipDay. #sustainability#mothersday #livingnature #anointbeauty #motherchurch
Published: April 2024