By Khyria Cepe

It is said that the celebration of Mother’s Day started out centuries ago in ancient Greece. Mother’s Day was held in spring in honor of Rhea, the mother of gods. However, in modern times, the Greeks celebrate Mother’s Day in honor of the Holy Theotokos, Mary, the Mother of all mothers.

Greece is predominantly Christian Orthodox, with 97% of its population worshipping at the Orthodox Church. For the Greeks, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple every second of February. This feast commemorates how Mary, with her husband Joseph, presented Jesus in the temple at Jerusalem.

The presentation of children is still a popular practice in Greece until today. The commemoration honors Greek mothers for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and well-being of their children. In Greece, this celebration is not only for mothers who gave birth, but it is for all women who act as mothers, such as aunties and sisters, who are devoted in taking care of children.

The Greeks still celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May just like much of the rest of the world. Husbands and children still give mothers presents such as flowers and candy, and they are treated to special events such as concerts and dinners. Just like the rest of the world, Greece has caught on the commercialized celebration of honoring their mothers. However, they have not allowed themselves to be completely trapped in the modern celebration that sometimes becomes devoid of true meaning in feeling. Instead, they pay tribute to the patron of all mothers, Mother Mary.

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