Yes, it's that time of year again (for all you ungrateful children who might have forgotten). A day of celebration regarding all things maternal, the influence of mothers and everything in between. Mother's day is a celebration, which annually honors mothers all over the world, providing the perfect, complementary day to 'Father's Day.' And while we have grown up acknowledging, honoring and even celebrating it, few people really know the what's what of this day. So read on to find out all about it.

For one thing, the history of this day has deep roots dating as far back as ancient celebrations of the 'universal mother' inherent in nature. Ancient Egyptians held festivities honoring the Goddess Isis, while Greeks and Romans celebrated the Goddess Cybele, who just happened to have given birth to the greatest Gods in the Roman pantheon, including the almighty Zeus!

These are the earliest records of such a day, but it slowly evolved into something known as 'Mothering Sunday,' which most experts believe to be the real root of this internationally celebrated holiday. In the early 1600s, poor English women worked hard as servants and laborers all through the week, but every Sunday they were allowed to head home for a day of rest. So children took this opportunity to shower their beloved mothers with cakes, flowers and anything else they could think of or afford.

Today, that tradition has blossomed into a rare day that is celebrated in over 150 countries, and is generally observed on the second Sunday of May. And while flowers and cakes have been replaced by far more extravagant gifts, the underlying love remains the same. Every country celebrates this day differently, what with the Bolivians associating it with Bolivia's war for independence, and Chinese children offering their mothers carnations. In India, the day generally coincides with Durga Ashtami, which honors the female consciousness via Goddess Durga. As such, even though it is called 'Mother's Day' like the rest of the world, it's fairly unrelated to the modern sense of the term.

Either way, don't forget to love and cherish your own mommy this Mother's day! And, of course, shower her with plenty of attention too.


-Pictures courtesy Thinkstock-

30 second guide, mother's day, celebration, honour, mom

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