The origins of Mother's Day can be traced back to ancient civilisations where festivals were held to honour mother goddesses.
Mother’s Day in the UK is on Sunday 19th March 2023
The modern celebration of Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day, became popular in the UK in the early 20th century. However, the original religious holiday of Mothering Sunday has its roots in Christian tradition and dates back centuries. It was traditionally celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which falls in March or early April. The exact year of the first Mothering Sunday celebration is not known, but it is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages.
Rest of the World’s Fascinating Traditions
Over time, the holiday has spread to other parts of the world, although the date of celebration and the way the holiday is observed can vary depending on the country.
There are many fascinating traditions from different cultures around the world that celebrate mothers such as:
Nepal: In Nepal, Mother's Day is called "Aama Ko Mukh Herne Din," which translates to "Day to Look at Mother's Face." On this day, children visit their mothers and offer them gifts and a special meal. It is also traditional to touch the mother's feet as a sign of respect.
Japan: In Japan, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, just like in the United States. One traditional gift for mothers is a flower arrangement made of carnations and roses, which are said to represent the gentle strength and love of mothers.
Ethiopia: In Ethiopia, Mother's Day is called "Antrosht," and it is celebrated in mid-fall after the rainy season has ended. On this day, families gather to feast on a traditional meal of injera bread and stews, and children give their mothers small gifts as a sign of their appreciation.
Thailand: In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12th, which is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the "mother of the nation." On this day, people wear blue (the Queen's colour) and give their mothers jasmine flowers, which are a symbol of purity and motherly love.
Gift Ideas for Mother's Day
As we approach Mother's Day, it's important to consider the impact of our gift-giving on the environment. This year, let's make a conscious effort to give sustainable gifts to our mothers.
Instead of buying traditional gifts like chocolates, why not consider eco-friendly alternatives like living plants to purify the air in her house, reusable water bottles, bamboo kitchen utensils, recycled jewellery or ethically made clothing?
By giving sustainable gifts, we can show our love and appreciation for our mothers while also reducing our carbon footprint and promoting a more sustainable future. Let's make this Mother's Day one that not only celebrates the amazing women in our lives but also the planet that sustains us all, our mother earth.
Here is our curated selection of ethy verified brands so you can find the perfect gift:
The Present Tree: Give a beautiful tree
The Present Tree offers a variety of tree gifts for all occasions, grown organically without harmful chemicals in peat-free compost. Their eco-friendly packaging is plastic-free and compostable, and the company sponsors The Bumblebee Conservation Trust to protect bees and other pollinators.
House of Katran: Apparel and jewellery
House of Katran is a unique fashion brand. They repurpose family heirlooms, post-consumer, and factory waste, limiting the use of virgin fabrics. Their beautiful apparel and jewellery line is versatile and size-inclusive, accommodating UK4-UK16, making them also an affordable solution for pregnant or expecting moms.
House of Katran aim for zero-waste, using waste generated from their apparel line to manufacture their jewellery. All products are handmade by grassroots artisans and marginalised women, promoting sustainable employment and social upliftment.
Seeds Of Colour: Natural award winning cosmetics
Seeds of Colour, which won Marie Claire's Best Sustainable Makeup Brand award in 2022, is committed to creating stunning makeup products with a minimal environmental impact. By using cutting-edge technology, the company extracts pigments from organic fruits and vegetables to produce award-winning cosmetics with natural colours that are enriched with antioxidants and nutrients.
Panda Joy: Greeting cards
By purchasing ethical greeting cards from Panda Joy for Mother's Day, you can show your love for both your mom and the planet. Panda Joy is a family-owned business that creates ethical greeting cards made from 100% tree-free materials. Using bamboo and cotton linter instead of traditional materials, Panda Joy's unique designs feature a Joyful Panda character, each card is a unique and delightful way to express your appreciation and gratitude to your mom on this special occasion.
Boutee: Jewellery with soul
Boutee promotes independent UK-based jewellers over mass-produced brands. With a focus on sustainability and social responsibility, Boutee offers handmade jewellery that reflects the passion and skill of its makers. Their curated collection includes one-of-a-kind rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, showcasing the unique style of each individual artisan.
TryKind Clothing: Underwear and loungewear that boost wellness
TryKind Clothing offers a mindful vegan range of underwear and loungewear made from toxic-free organic cotton. Their unique touch comes from the use of Ayurvastra dyes, which are made from herbal roots, flowers, leaves, and barks and provide benefits for the wearer's skin health and immunity.
Their Kover Me Kindly Kimonos are made from upcycled saris and hand-stitched by a women's empowerment centre. With over 95% of their packaging being recyclable, TryKind Clothing is a sustainable and stylish choice for Mother's Day.
Bee & Alpaca: On-trend small-batch fashion pieces
Bee & Alpaca's upcycled clothing and accessories made from excess and discarded materials are a great Mother's Day gift option. Their unique and on-trend small-batch fashion pieces are 100% vegan and created using direct print technology that minimises water waste and consumption. With a no-plastics policy, recycled tags and labels, and recyclable packaging, Bee & Alpaca is committed to sustainability.
Fouremme: Considerate and made to order dresses
Fouremme is an ethical women's fashion brand that offers a timeless collection made from certified recycled fibres sourced from European suppliers. Their pieces are made to order, eliminating overproduction and waste. A gift from Fouremme on Mother's Day would not only bring comfort and quality but also make a positive impact on the environment and society.
ByLula: Beautiful and fun luxury candles
ByLula provides an eco-friendly and fun option for Mother's Day gifts, with their soy candle collection made from quality ingredients and calming scents. Their candles are 100% vegan and celebrate the beauty of the male and female body, while also offering light-hearted designs such as twisted knot candles.
Skin + Me: Personalised skincare
Skin + Me offers personalised skincare treatment plans based on individual needs. With a free online consultation, they provide bespoke products that combat common skincare issues like acne and rosacea. Their monthly delivery and innovative packaging ensure just the right amount of product is dispensed for nightly application, making it a great Mother's Day gift idea.
Use code "ETHY" to get your mum’s first month of treatment for only £3.50, discounted from £24.99!
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