Every year we celebrate Mother's Day. But where does this charming party come from? How is it celebrated in other countries? Take a look at the origin of Mother's Day.
History
From ancient times, mothers were in the spotlight. But in another way; among the Greeks, it was the mother of the gods, Rhea, who was celebrated. The Romans, in the 5th century BC, paid homage to women and mothers. This festival was called the “Matraliae” and celebrated Mater Matuta, the goddess of dawn and childbirth. It took place on June 11, as we approach the summer solstice.
Antiquity
The first to have established a day dedicated to mothers were the Greeks and Romans who organized a ceremony every spring in honor of Rhea and Cybele, the mother deities of the Gods. Indeed, Rhea is notably the mother of Zeus and Poseidon and is therefore known as a deity related to motherhood.
Middle Ages
In this very Christian era, it was traditional to dedicate spring and particularly the month of May to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The Role of the World Wars in Mother's Day
Although it may seem surprising, the origin of Mother's Day as we know it today can be associated with the influence of the world conflicts of the 20th century.
Indeed, when American troops arrived in France in April 1917, the tradition of Mother's Day took hold in French culture. In addition, a "Mother's Day" is set up in certain cities following the war in order to pay tribute to women who have lost children during the fighting. Subsequently, when the time came to repopulate France, a "Day for mothers of large families" was established to encourage women to have more children.
A variable date depending on the country
The date of Mother's Day is far from universal, even if this holiday is particularly widespread in the world. It takes place on the second Sunday of May in many countries such as Belgium, Germany, Canada, the United States, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.
Further from the dates of France, Norway has established its Mother's Day in February. As for Indonesia, it celebrates it in December.
Know the customs of Mother's Day
Customs for Mother's Day are numerous and vary from family to family. Most of the time, the children give gifts to their mom accompanied by a pretty Mother's Day card. They can also bake a cake for a tea party or breakfast in bed. The noodle necklace is no longer fashionable but the bouquet of flowers and chocolates are still much appreciated. At school or at the nanny's: the youngest prepare a gift made with their hands while the adults buy little attentions that will please their dear mother. The main thing is for everyone to honor their mother on this special day.
What gift to give for Mother's Day?
The most popular gifts for Mother's Day are bouquets of flowers, whether picked in the fields or made by florist artisans. Among the youngest, the handmade gift is generally made in a school setting before being offered as a family. Among the oldest, gifts related to cooking, gastronomy, well-being and beauty are in the news every year.
The big trend of the moment is to make a Do It Yourself (DIY) gift like a bouquet of dried flowers, which will delight every mother with its rustic and chic authenticity. You can also give your mom a personal, even intimate, and artistic gift like a poem dedicated to your mother.
What flowers to give for Mother's Day?
The peony, a very maternal flower
The peony is first associated with Mother's Day because its flowering occurs at this time of year; more precisely from March until May. With the generosity of its flowers, its colors and its fragrance, the peony fully expresses this noble and whole feeling that binds us to our mothers. In the language of flowers, it symbolizes maternal protection and the intensity of relationships.
The rose: the star of flowers for a mom-star
The rose is not missing from the call of Mother's Day. Nothing could be more logical for the queen of flowers, which perfectly underlines feminine beauty and intelligence. This ultimate symbol of love is sure to flatter mums when offered as a bouquet by their offspring. The choice of rose colors also allows you to vary the emotions: red for love, pink for tenderness, white for respect or orange for admiration.
The lily, the nobility of feelings
The lily also invites itself in the floral compositions dedicated to Mother's Day. Proud and majestic, he imposes nobility of feelings and respect. The language of flowers also attributes a colorful symbolism to it: admiration and devotion. In history, it is the flower of kings and queens... A message strong in emotions that will not fail to flatter mothers.
The orchid, grace and solidity
The orchid has been one of the most offered flowers for Mother's Day for several years, especially the phalaenopsis genus which is appreciated for its flowering and its robustness. In the language of flowers, it is a symbol of feminine perfection and grace. Modern and very decorative, the orchid has this other advantage of being a flowering plant that your mother can keep longer than a traditional bouquet.
The carnation, so British
The carnation makes a more timid and controversial entry onto the Mother's Day scene. Associated with pure and sincere love in the 19th century, its meaning has since evolved according to its colors: the red carnation has a very erotic connotation, and white would simply bring bad luck. The carnation remains, however, an emblematic flower of Mother's Day in England.
What color for a Mother's Day bouquet?
The colors associated with Mother's Day range mainly from white, associated with sincerity and respect, to pink, dedicated to feminine beauty and tenderness. Floral creations are therefore generally composed in pastel shades. The other colors (yellow, orange, red) and mixtures of multicolored flowers can be chosen if your mum is particularly fond of them. We can also mention red, which is of course the color of love and passion, and which can express strong feelings towards a mother, for example when a mother joyfully receives a red eternal rose.
