Most of us mark Mother’s Day with flowers, cards, or brunch—but few realize how ancient and sacred this celebration truly is. Across time and cultures, motherhood has been revered as a divine force: the giver of life, the nurturer of spirit, and the embodiment of unconditional love.
Long before the Hallmark cards, societies across the globe honored the Mother Goddess:
In ancient Egypt, she was Isis, protector and nurturer.
The Greeks celebrated Rhea, mother of the gods, including Zeus.
In Rome, Cybele, the Great Mother, was honored during spring festivals as early as 2250 B.C.
Yemọja, a Yoruba deity, is the mother spirit, patron of women, and a fertility goddess
Taoist tradition celebrates May 25th as “Mother of the World Day”, with incense offerings and meditations on Divine Harmony.
In England, Mothering Sunday offered workers a rare day off to visit and honor their mothers.
Native American traditions celebrate Mother Earth as the ultimate mother, urging us to care for her.
A Day for Peace and Healing
Did you know the first Mother’s Day in the U.S. was actually a call to end war?
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe (who wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) issued aMother’s Day Proclamation, urging women to stop their sons from killing the sons of other mothers. She called for a global Mother’s Day of Peace.
Later, in 1908, Anna Jarvis organized a day to honor her own mother, who had created“Mother’s Friendship Days”to heal divisions after the Civil War. Anna gave out her mother’s favorite flower—white carnations—which remain a symbol of remembrance. (Pink and red carnations are used to honor living mothers.) President Woodrow Wilson officially declared Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914.
Who Is a “Mother”?
Today, we honor not only biological mothers, but also the godparents, mentors, aunties, foster parents, stepparents, and loving friends who have “mothered” us—and who have mothered our children. Mothering is a sacred act, regardless of biology or gender.
The Mother’s Day Appreciation Box
(Adapted from The Joy of Family Rituals)
What you’ll need:
A container—shoebox, hatbox, cigar box—plus decorations (ribbons, beads, photos, etc.)
What to place inside:
A handwritten list of what you love about your mother
Small treasures (favorite tea, a poem, bath oil, baked cookies)
Promises to help or spend time (e.g. “I’ll cook dinner once a week”)
Original artwork or letters
A playlist of her favorite songs (my friend David created one for his mom, and my son Jourdan always adds a hand-drawn cartoon to my cards!)
This ritual is especially powerful when done as a family project, involving multiple generations and voices of love.
Celebrate Virtually: Long-Distance Love & Digital Rituals
If you can’t be with your mom—or chosen mother—in person this year, create a virtual ritual that still brings heart and presence.
Host a Zoom Mother's Day Gathering:
Invite family or friends to share memories, photos, or readings that honor the mother(s) in your life. Light a candle to begin, and end with a collective toast or meditation.
Send a Personalized Video Tribute:
Record short clips of family and friends sharing what they love or appreciate most about her. Edit into a simple video, or just send them as-is. It’s a powerful way to say: you are seen and cherished.
Curate a Spotify Playlist:
Put together a list of her favorite songs—or songs that remind you of her strength, softness, humor, or wisdom. Title it something like “Songs for Mama” or “Goddess Vibes Only”.
Create a Virtual Appreciation Box:
Make a shared Google Doc or Canva collage where everyone contributes notes, poems, or memories. Include links to photos, recipes, or digital gifts.
The intention behind the gesture is what makes it sacred. Ritual doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to be felt.
And don’t forget our first mother—Mother Earth. Offer her a prayer, plant a tree, or simply spend time in nature.
Reclaim the Ritual
As the author of The Joy of Ritual, I believe that reclaiming holidays like Mother’s Day as soulful, healing rituals can deepen our connections—with each other, with the earth, and with our ancestors.
Let’s make this Mother’s Day. And all special moments (birthdays, baby showers, graduations, weddings) not just another commercial moment—but a sacred celebration of nurturing in all its forms.
With love and reverence,
Barbara
