Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming up: on the 14 May this year.

Both the "official" Mother's Day (this year, May 14) and the "official" Father's Day (June 18) originated in the United States, respectively in 1907 and 1909. Both were initiatives of women: Anna Jarvis wanted to celebrate her mother, Sonora Dodd her father.

Mothers have of course been honored since ancient times. "Mother" was the most praiseworthy name a culture could give to its most precious thing. Just think of Mother Nature and Mother Earth. We still use those titles, but with much less reverence: if we were to treat our mothers like we treat nature, there would be a good ear whacking! (But then, perhaps that is now coming...)

This week we take a look at the history of Mother's Day.