Mother's Day: History, Significance, Celebration

Today, May 11, is recognized as International Mother’s Day for the year 2025.

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EDITOR’S PICK History of Mother’s Day Significance of Mother’s Day How Mother’s Day is Celebrated in Nigeria FURTHER READING

Celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May, this special occasion honors the extraordinary contributions and influences of mothers and maternal figures in our lives and across societies worldwide.

EDITOR’S PICK

History of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day, as we know it today, can be traced back to early 20th-century America. The driving force behind this observance was Anna Jarvis, who organized the first official celebration in West Virginia in 1908. Jarvis sought to honor her late mother and recognize the invaluable role mothers play in their children’s lives.

Her dedication to this cause ultimately led to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson officially designating the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day in 1914.

However, the concept of celebrating maternal figures dates back even further. Ancient cultures had their own traditions dedicated to mothers.

For instance, the Greeks revered Rhea, the mother of gods, while the Romans celebrated Hilaria, a spring festival honoring Cybele, their mother goddess.

In England, “Mothering Sunday” can be traced as far back as the 16th century, initially observed as a religious event before eventually becoming a more secular celebration.

Over time, these ancient customs and Jarvis’s efforts combined to shape Mother’s Day into the holiday we observe today. Nowadays, people around the world take the opportunity to show appreciation and express gratitude for the unwavering love and countless sacrifices mothers make in nurturing their children.

Significance of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day transcends material expressions of love; it is a genuine homage to the invaluable and irreplaceable impact that mothers have in shaping families and communities.

Mothers are our first educators, providing guidance and care, and they often serve as the emotional pillars in our lives.

Mother's Day: History, Significance, Celebration

This special day encourages us to take a moment to reflect upon their boundless love, patience, and the daily sacrifices they make for their loved ones.

While biological mothers are indeed at the heart of this celebration, Mother’s Day extends its reach to honor grandmothers, guardians, single fathers who take on maternal roles, and any individual who offers maternal love and support to those around them.

How Mother’s Day is Celebrated in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Mother’s Day is celebrated with a unique blend of modern and traditional customs, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage. The day is an opportunity for Nigerians to show appreciation and gratitude to their mothers through various gestures, such as:

Religious services: Many families attend special Mother’s Day church services, where prayers and sermons are dedicated to mothers and their vital role in society.

Festive gatherings: Families often come together to celebrate with food, music, and dance. Extended family members, friends, and neighbors join in the festivities, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.

Gift-giving: Children and loved ones present their mothers with heartfelt gifts, including flowers, cards, clothing, and other tokens of affection. These gifts are a symbol of the deep love and appreciation they hold for their mothers.

Special meals: Families prepare traditional dishes, showcasing the diverse flavors of Nigerian cuisine. These meals are enjoyed together, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories.

Traditional practices: Some communities incorporate their unique cultural traditions into Mother’s Day celebrations, such as storytelling, ceremonies, and rituals that honor motherhood and its significance within the culture.