Mother's Day - Ancient Origins
Many Historians believe that Mother's Day has decended from the Roman festival called
the Hilaria. This festival was celebrated over three days ending on the 25th of March, in honour of Cybele,
the mother of the gods. The day of its celebration was the first after the vernal equinox,
or the first day of the year which was longer than the night.
The worship of Cybele, or the great "Mountain Mother" , probably originated
in Phrygia in northern Anatolia. Cybele represented the fertile earth, and the death of her
consort, Attis, represented the end of the growing season. The festival was characterized
by ecstatic dancing and drumming. The ceremony began with the
entry of Attis (symbolized by a pine tree) into the city, followed by a day of mourning
for him and fasting, and then a great festival of joy to celebrate the growing season.
Cybele was usually portrayed with her lions, signifying her link to the images of the
Mother Goddess giving birth between 2 felines.
To read the links between the Hilaria and the modern Mother's Day - a day when we
honour our own mothers, read Mother Church Day and Mothering Sunday.
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Mother's Day Links
All about Mother's Day
Mother's Day Traditions
Mother's Day History(1)
Mother's Day History(2)
Mothering Sunday History
USA history
First Mother's Day Card
Mother's Day Cards
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