Every year, the month of May sees an outpouring of love and gratitude towards those who gave us life: our mothers.
But if Mother's Day is celebrated today with bouquets, children's poems or pretty gifts like a solid silver jewel, its origins are much older and sometimes unexpected.
Let's dive into history together, between ancient traditions and social reforms. Finally, you'll know (at last) why the date of celebration is not the same in Switzerland and France!

The ancient roots of Mother's Day

Ancient Greece: honoring the mother goddess

The idea of honoring mothers goes back to ancient Greece. Every spring, the Greeks organized a festival in honor of Rhea, mother of Zeus, Poseidon and Hera. They paid homage to her with offerings, music and flowers, in a highly ritualized atmosphere. This springtime celebration also symbolized fertility and renewal.

Rome: the Matronalia

The Romans celebrated Matronalia on March 1, a feast dedicated to mothers and wives. Men offered gifts to the women of their household, and children recited vows to their mothers. Temples to Juno, protector of women, were very popular.

The Middle Ages and Christian traditions

Mothering Sunday in England

During the Middle Ages, a religious custom called Mothering Sunday took place on the fourth Sunday of Lent. It was an occasion for the faithful to return to their "mother"church. Young servants were given the day off to visit their families and offer their mothers simnel cakes.

Officialization from the United States

Anna Jarvis, a devoted daughter

The instigator of modern Mother's Day was Anna Jarvis, an American from West Virginia. In 1907, two years after the death of her own mother, she launched a national campaign to create a day dedicated to all mothers. Her aim: to celebrate maternal love and the peacemaking role of women.

In 1908, she organized the first official ceremony in a Grafton church.
The idea gained ground, until in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day in the United States.

A little-known anecdote: Anna Jarvis eventually protested against her holiday, which she felt had become a promotion for the flower trade! By 1944, she had accumulated 33 lawsuits seeking to do away with Mother's Day.

In France: between a pro-natalist policy and official recognition

A first in 1906 in Artas

The first official celebration in France took place in Artas, Isère, in 1906. The mayor paid tribute to the mothers of large families, praising their "moral value".

A festival encouraged by the Republic

In 1920, the national holiday for mothers of large families was introduced, in a post-war context where the aim was to encourage the birth rate.
Marshal Pétain reinforced this idea during the Vichy regime, enshrining motherhood as a pillar of society.

It wasn't until 1950 that Mother's Day officially became a civil holiday on the last Sunday in May, unless it fell at the same time as Pentecost, in which case it was moved to the first Sunday in June.

In Switzerland: a celebration close to Anglo-Saxon traditions

Unlike France, Switzerland celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, as do the USA, Germany and Belgium.

This tradition is more recent: it began to develop in 1917, thanks to the action of Protestant and women's groups, particularly in the French-speaking cantons.
The initial emphasis was on moral recognition of the mother's role, but also on family values.

Today is a very popular day throughout the country, marked by :

• Family meals

• Children's drawings

• And of course, the offering of small symbolic gifts: flowers, cards and sterling silver jewelry.

A global celebration with many faces

Every country celebrates Mother's Day in its own way:

Country	Celebration date
Switzerland	2nd Sunday in May
France	Last Sunday in May
United States	2nd Sunday in May
United Kingdom	4th Sunday in Lent
Spain	1st Sunday in May
Thailand	August 12 (Queen Mother's birthday)

 

Thanks to Anna Jarvis, the same intention crosses borders: to say thank you with tenderness.

Solid silver jewelry: a gift with meaning

Why give a piece of sterling silver women's jewelry for Mother's Day?

Because it is :

• Timeless: like a mother's love

• Durable: solid silver stands the test of time

• Chic and natural: it suits every personality!

At Lady Taty, we offer jewelry designed in Switzerland, made in Europe, and designed to reflect the femininity and natural gentleness of every mother. Discover all our jewels here.

In a nutshell

• Mother's Day has its roots in antiquity.

• It took on its modern form in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, thanks to Anna Jarvis.

• In France, it takes place at the end of May. In Switzerland, it takes place on the second Sunday in May.

• Each country celebrates it according to its own culture, but always with love.

• Solid silver jewelry is one of the most beautiful gifts, full of meaning and tenderness.

Celebrating mothers in style

This year, how about showing your appreciation with a piece of sterling silver jewelry? Check out our article on the Top 5 sterling silver jewelry ideas for Mother's Day. A 925 silver necklace plated with yellow gold, a pair of discreet earrings, a more assertive link bracelet... Mother's Day gift ideas that marry emotion and natural beauty.