Mother's Day in Lithuania

Every year on the first Sunday in May, Lithuania celebrates Mother's Day. The holiday has a rich history and is celebrated in many countries, only the dates are different. Strengthening the family, supporting motherhood, recognizing the social importance of women and mothers - these are the main ideas on which the holiday is based. The history of the holiday goes back to antiquity. The cult of the mother goddess existed among many peoples (Greeks, Romans, Sumerians). In England in the 17th century, Mothering Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent) was celebrated. On this day, rich Englishmen sent their servants home so that they could be with their mothers. There was a tradition of giving mothers a cake and receiving a blessing in return. In addition, on this day the British went to “their” church, usually the one that was closer to home. At the end of the 19th century, American Julia Ward Howe proposed dedicating Mother's Day to the fight for peace. Its idea did not find wide support among citizens, since the idea of ​​the holiday was abstract. At the beginning of the 20th century, another American, Anna Jarvis, in memory of her mother, launched a campaign to introduce a new holiday in the country that would be dedicated to all mothers. The first state to support it was Virginia. In 1914, Mother's Day became a national holiday in America. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. This is one of the most favorite holidays among the citizens of the country. The tradition of celebrating Mother's Day has found a response in other countries, only some states chose a different date. This is a family holiday. Children of different ages, many of whom are already parents themselves, come to visit and give their mothers flowers and gifts. They congratulate not only real, but also future mothers - pregnant women. The government of the country does not stand aside either. The President makes a congratulatory speech. On Mother's Day, women who gave birth and raised seven children receive awards. Festive services are held in churches. Celebrating Mother's Day is a family tradition for many Lithuanians. This kind and touching holiday unites people of different generations and emphasizes the importance of family values.