Mother's Day

Darlings - I have declared May, Apprectiation Month.

Let's star with Mom. Contrary to what many feel or say, Mother's Day is more than a holiday created by Hallmark. It's spiritual origins date back to ancient Egypt where the people held annual festivals to honor Isis, the Mother of the Pharoahs. Rhea was worshiped as the "Mother of the Gods" by the ancient Greeks. In Rome and Asia Minor, Cyblele, the Phrygian Goddess was known as the "Great Mother".

In the 1600's a clerical decree in England turned the focus of Mother's Day to "down to earth" Moms. Families started the traditions of making Mom the guest of honor at a family feast and showing their appreciation for her with gifts of flowers and candy.

Interestingly, when the English settlers arrived in America the tradition of celebrating Mother's Day was sadly lost, It is theorized that the harsh conditions of daily survival left little time for celebrations or that the British "Mothering Day" Conflicted with their Puritan ideals.

Hundreds of years would pass before the British "Mothering Day" would be reborn as the American Mother's Day. Many individuals and groups contibuted to this rebirth including Julia Ward Howe (author of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic") who gave birth to the idea of a North American Mother's Day through her 1870 Mother's Day Proclamation in remembrance of her mother and in honor of peace. Her daughter Anna Jarvis carried on her mother's work: petitioning state governments, women's groups, churches, business leaders etc.,  to advocate for the creation of Mother's Day. In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed Mother's Day into national observance - The 2nd Sunday in May would hereafter be Mother's Day.

When deciding how you wish to celebrate Mother's Day remember a Mother's love is unconditional and always has your best interest at heart. If everyone grew up with a Mother's Love to guide them it would be (almost) a perfect world!

But, alas, my darlings we don't live in a perfect world do we? If you are fortunate enough to have experienced a Mother's love you are blessed. If fate has denied you this, think perhaps of another woman who has had meaning in your life; an Auntie who has dried your tears and hugged you, a neighbor lady who baked cookies for you, a teacher or counselor who never gave up on you.

Either way, be sure to show your appreciation by giving a gift that shows some thought.

Is she a "traditional" Mom who is thrilled with flowers, candy or jewelry? Great! Floral arrangements or gourmet chocolate remain traditional expressions of love and appreciation. Dan's Chocolates offers unique gourmet treats for all tastes and you can send flowers to Mom  direct from the grower anywhere in the world with flowerfarm.com. Does your Mom like jewelry with a creative flare? Try Novica.com for unique items designed by local artisans from around the world. For a more personalized touch you can have beautiful jewelry specially engraved from collectiblestoday.com. Is your Mom a homebody? For the mother that loves to cook consider the top-rated kitchenware from "American's Test Kitchen" avilable now at Cooking.com and for mother's with a green thumb you can give her a special Mother’s Day gift from Yardiac.com.

Is she a hardworking person who harbors dreams of some adventure? Skydiving? Dinner on a yacht? A day at a spa? Great American Days has amazing gift ideas for her. If Mom lives in or near a major metropolitan area you can set up a day-trip locally with TrustedTours.com.

Is your Mother's idea of a vacation a two-hour bubble bath with scented candles and relaxing music? You can bring the spa home to her with great natural bath and body products from Kalyx.com. Or you can give Mom the gift of an anytime at-home massage with her very own massage chair from SerenityHealth - an Award-Winning site, offering magnificent relaxation products.

Use your imagination to find the perfect gift but don't forget to also give your Mom something that can't be bought anywhere - your love and attention!