I love Mother’s Day. Not only because I’m a mum, but because I believe it is important.
Too often, the vital role that mothers play in our society goes unrecognised. If anyone needs a day of rest and celebration, it’s the mothers of the world.
Mother’s Day has important historical significance. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans held festivals in honour of their maternal goddesses, notably Rhea and Cybele.
In 16th century England it was a day when domestic servants were allowed a day’s holiday to return to their “mother” church at home, and a rare opportunity to spend time with their families.
In the US, Mother’s Day was first celebrated in the 1900s, and began as a day to recognise those women whose sons had died in war.
Today it is one of the world’s most celebrated events.
For me, it is a day to cherish my own mother and all she has done to support me. It is a day when I’m reminded how lucky I am to be a mother to my wonderful daughter and son.
It is also a day to reflect on motherhood more broadly, and its enormous impact on the lives of women. Not only its many joys, but the many challenges and hardships it brings.
It is a time to remember that grief and loss still accompany motherhood for too many women in the world.
So this year on Mother’s Day, I will be thinking of Stella.