Modern

Modern history traces the origin of Mother’s Day to the UK and the United States in the late 19th century, however the roots of the Spring festival celebrated on the second Sunday in May stem back to antiquity. Ancient Greeks held an annual spring festival to honor Rhea, the Titan daughter of Gaia, the earth goddess and sky god Uranus.

Ancient Romans, too, celebrated spring festivals in honor of Magna Mater (“Great Mother”). The cult of Magna Mater was notorious known for orgies and disorderly conduct. Followers of Magna Mater were expelled from Rome.

Later, early Christians, honored the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

In modern times, Anna Jarvis, an American woman wishing to honor the memory of her own mother created mother’s friendship day to remind everyone to celebrate maternal love.