Photo Courtesy of beverlybutler42

The celebration of motherhood began with the honoring of mother gods known as Greek goddesses. Known as Mothering Sunday in Europe during the 1600s, motherhood was honored within the context of Catholic religion. Its spiritual and religious origins are symbolic of its observance on the most religious day of the week. The celebration commenced with a Mothers day flower, jewels and fruit, which were used to decorate the church. The day was also called Mothering Day, which became Mother’s Day with U.S Proclamation of 1870 but was not actually observed in the U.S. until 1907. The proclamation was the result of a mother’s outrage over the deaths caused by the Civil War.

A Mothers day flower along with other gifts are given on the second Sunday of May to express appreciation for the sacrifices our individual mothers have made for us. Companies like 1800flowers may not be commercializing Mother’s Day, but merely enforcing the traditional custom associated with honoring mothers by supplying the most beautiful gift found in nature.

Giving the enormous sacrifice of bodily co-habitation for up to nine months, risking health and life itself to bring us into the world and then being responsible for our growth and well-being for another 18 years or more, it is only fitting that we take a day to observe the selflessness of motherhood. Most will attempt it, many feel entitled to the honor but not everyone is capable of carrying it out as it was intended.

Some Other Articles You May Enjoy

• Unique Existence
• A Review of Marilyn Meredith’s Kindred Spirits
• If Mississippi’s In You
• Beyond the Fine Print: Other Employment
• A Review of Brenna Lyons short story, Catch Me, If You Can