Mother’s Day is a time to honour the women who shape our lives with their love, guidance, and strength. For many of us, it’s a celebration of the unconditional care and support we receive from the women who raise us.
But for children confined in orphanages, Mother’s Day often serves as a bitter reminder of the love and care they long for but are being denied.
At Hope and Homes for Children, we’re dedicated to getting children out of orphanages and Back To Family. We believe every child deserves to grow up in a loving, stable family environment home, where they can experience nurturing, guidance and affection.
This Mother’s Day, we want to take a moment to reflect on how mothers – both biological and chosen – play a pivotal role in transforming lives, and think about those who are without their mothers on this day.
A mother’s power
Every time a child leaves an orphanage and enters a new home, they are greeted with the love of a mother who sees them not just as a child in need, but as a unique individual with hopes, dreams, and the potential to thrive.
These mothers are more than just caregivers – they are life-changers. They become the guiding force in a child’s life, providing them with the stability and support they need to build their future.
When a child finds a mother who loves them and believes in them, they gain more than just a home – they gain the confidence to overcome obstacles and create a brighter future for themselves.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the biological, adoptive and foster mothers who open their hearts and homes to their children. Their love really is changing lives for the better.
The History of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day, as we know it today, has evolved over centuries, drawing from various cultural and historical traditions that celebrate motherhood and the maternal bond. The roots of the holiday can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where festivals and rituals honouring mother goddesses were commonplace.
In ancient Greece, for example, mothers were revered through celebrations of Rhea, the mother of the gods. Similarly, in ancient Rome, the festival of Hilaria was dedicated to Cybele, the mother of the gods, where mothers were celebrated with feasts and public festivities.
However, the more modern iteration of Mother’s Day, celebrated in many countries today, has its origins in the United States. In the early 20th century, an American woman named Anna Jarvis is often credited with founding Mother’s Day as a national holiday. After her own mother’s death in 1905, Jarvis campaigned for a day to honour mothers, with the goal of recognizing the sacrifices they made for their children. Her persistence led to the holiday’s official recognition when, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
Though Jarvis initially envisioned the holiday as a heartfelt tribute to mothers, it quickly became commercialized, with florists, greeting card companies, and other businesses capitalizing on the occasion. This commercialization led Jarvis to later denounce the holiday’s corporate exploitation, expressing regret for her role in establishing it. Despite this, Mother’s Day remains one of the most widely celebrated holidays worldwide, evolving into a day not only for honouring mothers but for appreciating all caregivers, including grandmothers, aunts, and other influential maternal figures.
Today, Mother’s Day serves as a reminder of the deep cultural and emotional significance of mothers in society. Whether through giving flowers, writing cards, or spending quality time together, the day offers an opportunity to reflect on the invaluable role that mothers play in shaping families and communities. It is a holiday marked by expressions of gratitude, love, and admiration, continuing to hold universal appeal across generations.
Celebrating every mother
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the mothers who are making a difference in the lives of children worldwide. Your love, courage, and selflessness inspire us every day.
To all the mothers – biological, adoptive, foster, and those who give their hearts in other ways – thank you, and happy Mother’s Day!
* Names changed to protect identities.
