Celebrating Mother’s Day with Vayu Earth: Honouring Mums Worldwide

Mother's Day is a heartfelt occasion dedicated to celebrating mothers and mother figures, recognising their love, care, and support. While it's celebrated across the globe, its origins and traditions vary significantly. This year, Mother's Day in the UK falls on Sunday 30th March 2025, so there's no better time to reflect on its rich history and consider thoughtful, sustainable gifts to show your appreciation.

The History of Mother’s Day in the UK

The origins of Mothering Sunday in the UK date back to the 16th century when people were encouraged to return to their 'mother church' — the main church or cathedral in their area — on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This religious pilgrimage was seen as an opportunity to renew one’s faith and reconnect with family.

In those times, children often left home at a young age to work as domestic servants or apprentices. Mothering Sunday offered a rare chance for them to visit their families. As they travelled home, it became customary to pick wildflowers to present to their mothers as tokens of love, a tradition that continues today with the giving of flowers and gifts.

By the 1700s, the tradition had evolved to include families gathering for a meal after church. The celebration often included a "mothering cake," now better known as a Simnel cake, a fruit cake topped with marzipan. This cake is still enjoyed today, albeit now more closely associated with Easter.

In the early 20th century, the celebration began to decline in popularity. However, thanks to the efforts of Constance Penswick Smith, a vicar's daughter, Mothering Sunday was revived. She recognised the importance of honouring mothers and wrote a book advocating for the celebration’s renewal. By the 1950s, Mothering Sunday had become widely celebrated across the UK, blending traditional Christian customs with secular expressions of gratitude and affection.

The Origins of Mother's Day in the United States

The modern version of Mother's Day, as widely recognised today, began in the United States. In 1908, Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in West Virginia. Inspired by her late mother’s dedication to social causes, Anna wanted to establish a day that honoured all mothers. Her campaign succeeded in 1914 when US President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.

While the intention was to create a heartfelt celebration, the day quickly became commercialised, which frustrated Anna Jarvis. She eventually fought to have Mother's Day removed from the calendar, believing the commercial focus undermined its true meaning.

Mother’s Day Around the World

While the UK and the US celebrate Mother's Day on different dates, other countries also have their unique customs and traditions:

• Ethiopia celebrates mothers during the Antrosht festival, a three-day celebration at the end of the rainy season. Families gather to share meals, sing, and dance in honour of their mothers.

• Japan originally celebrated Mother's Day on 6th March, Empress Kōjun’s birthday. After World War II, it moved to align with the American celebration. Carnations, symbolising purity and sweetness, are traditionally given as gifts.

• Mexico marks Día de las Madres on 10th May. Families celebrate with lively mariachi performances, songs like "Las Mañanitas," and gatherings where mothers are showered with love and gifts.

• France celebrates La Fête des Mères in May, where families treat their mothers to flowers, gifts, and special meals. During World War I, medals were even awarded to mothers of large families as a tribute to their dedication and contribution to society.

• Serbia commemorates Mother’s Day in December as part of a trio of celebrations alongside Children’s Day and Father’s Day. On this day, mothers are traditionally "tied up" by their children until they agree to provide treats!

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day

1. The apostrophe in Mother’s Day is deliberately placed before the "s" to signify that the day is meant to celebrate each individual mother rather than mothers collectively.

2. The tradition of giving flowers on Mother’s Day stems from the practice of children picking wildflowers for their mothers on their way home from church.

3. In Japan, carnations are the traditional Mother’s Day flower, symbolising purity, love, and resilience.

4. Simnel cake, now commonly associated with Easter, was originally a Mothering Sunday delicacy in the UK.

5. In France, La Médaille de la Famille was historically awarded to mothers of large families for their dedication.

6. In Mexico, Día de las Madres celebrations often include serenades by mariachi bands.

7. Ethiopia’s Antrosht festival is not just about food and music; it's a time for storytelling and passing down family traditions.

8. Mother’s Day cards are one of the most popular greeting cards purchased in the UK, second only to Christmas cards.

Thoughtful, Sustainable Gifts from Vayu Earth

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to express love and appreciation with meaningful, sustainable gifts. At Vayu Earth, we believe in honouring mothers while respecting the planet. Our thoughtfully curated range of eco-friendly products makes it easy to celebrate Mother’s Day with purpose and care.

Consider our handcrafted candles, made from natural soy wax and infused with calming essential oils, perfect for creating a serene environment for your mum to unwind. Our organic skincare products offer gentle, nourishing treatments that will leave her feeling pampered and radiant. Or explore our range of ethically sourced jewellery for a timeless keepsake that reflects her elegance and strength.

By choosing Vayu Earth products, you’re not only giving a thoughtful gift but also supporting sustainable practices and artisan craftsmanship. Each item is designed to minimise environmental impact while delivering exceptional quality.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Love and Sustainability

This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the incredible women in our lives with kindness, gratitude, and conscious choices. Whether through heartfelt words, meaningful gifts, or cherished time together, let your mum know just how much she means to you.

Explore Vayu Earth's sustainable gift collection today and make this Mother’s Day one to remember.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Vayu Earth!