Le coin des expertes de St. Ives

Susan Passmore/ Mai 05 11

For florists Mother's Day is often the busiest day of the year, right up there with Valentine's Day. But long before Mother's Day was an official holiday in modern countries, celebrating mothers – and mother earth – was a time-honored practice.

A little Mother's Day history

Celebrations of motherhood in antiquity were spiritual and symbolic, usually honoring goddesses and symbols instead of real people. Ancient Egyptians, for example, celebrated the goddess Isis– considered the mother of the pharaohs–with an annual festival. The Greeks had Gaia, the goddess of the earth, and Rhea, the mother of the gods. Likewise, the Romans celebrated mother goddesses.

Later in Europe, motherhood was recognized with "mothering day," first created to honor the church where mothers were baptized. The holiday evolved into a celebration of real mothers, marked by special cakes, flowers and family visits.

Today, Mother's Day occurs on different days in different countries, although in many places it's celebrated on the second Sunday of May, as it is in North America.

The modern holiday began conceptually when famous social activist Julia Ward Howe wrote a "Mother's Day Proclamation" in 1870, calling on mothers to promote "The great and general interests of peace." In 1908 her idea was reinvented by Anna M. Jarvis, and finally in 1914 the second Sunday in May was proclaimed a national holiday by President Woodrow Wilson.

Honoring mom is a global affair

Wondering what to do this Mother's Day? Maybe some of these customs from around the world will inspire you:

In Argentina Mother's Day is celebrated in the fall (spring in the southern hemisphere) with poems, dinners and gifts.

France celebrates the "National Day of Mothers." A cake shaped like a bouquet of flowers is a traditional gift.

In honor of the "divine mother," Hindus in India hold a 10-day festival called Durga Puja – one of the largest events in the country.

Japanese prepare traditional dishes (taught to them by their mothers), and give flowers, particularly carnations, along with other small gifts.

In Mexico, mom is treated to a serenade, sung by her family or a hired band. A family breakfast or brunch is also customary.

On Mother’s Day in Finland, families take a morning walk to pick flowers and make a bouquet, which is presented to mom along with breakfast in bed.

Italians celebrate La Festa della Mamma with a big feast and a cake made in the shape of a heart.

And, since Mother's Day is usually celebrated in the springtime, it's also a great time to honor what Native Americans consider our original mother – the earth.

However you celebrate, make mom proud.