THE RELIGION CORNER: A Focus on History of Mother’s Day in Africa

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers around the world! It is my prayer that you enjoy your special day. Prayerfully your children will show you just how much you mean to each of them. This week, let’s take a historical look at the evolution of Mother’s Day.

A couple weeks ago, I shared with you the history of various other countries. This week, I want to share with you some of the history that I found in my research of how early Christians in various countries, first starting here at home with our own history, beginning in Boston. Secondly, this week, I’m giving special emphasis to the history of Mother’s Day beginnings in African countries, where they celebrated a Mother’s Day of sorts during festivals that were held on the fourth Sunday of Lent in honor of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ.

This information has been shared in this column, but in case you missed it, here is a brief history of our own Mother’s Day here in the United States. The idea of an official celebration of Mother’s Day in the U.S. was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872. Julia, who was an activist, writer and poet, suggested that June 2 be annually celebrated as Mother’s Day and that the day should be dedicated to peace. Her passionate appeal to women, the famous Mother’s Day Proclamation, urged women to rise against war. She also initiated a Mothers’ Peace Day observance on the second Sunday in June in Boston, and the meeting was held for many years. Julia’s idea spread widely, but was later replaced by the Mother’s Day holiday now celebrated in May.

Now, let’s talk about Mother’s Day in Africa, and how it started out from various traditions from a few different perspectives, with some countries celebrating it in May, and others celebrate it on Oct. 15, aligning with World Rural Women’s Day.

Ethiopia celebrates Mother’s Day during Antrosht, a three-day festival at the end of the rainy season, with lots of foods, visitors, dancing and festival-type activities. It’s a celebration of the return of the sunshine under the umbrella of Mother’s Day!

Here’s a more detailed look at a few diverse celebrations that are also held during the month of May, similar to the United States. Let’s start with the African countries.

Many African countries, ranging from Cameroon, Senegal, Uganda, to Rwanda, celebrate Mother’s Day in May, recognizing, as we do here in America, the vital role of mothers in society has risen to a level so well respected worldwide.

• Malawi honors mothers on Oct. 15. They align their Mother’s Day celebration with World Rural Women’s Day, highlighting the challenges faced by rural women while still honoring their role as mothers.

• Ethiopia’s three-day Antrosht festival is held during the end of the rainy season. It is in many ways, a beautiful and vibrant celebration of motherhood. It includes families gathering for feasting on every food they consider delicious. There is singing and dancing all over.

• In Ethiopia, during Antrosht, families come together, and children contribute to a feast with ingredients brought by boys and girls. They bring meat and vegetables.

• Let’s take a look at how Malawi celebrates mothers. Their celebration has as its primary focus, whatever is done must raise awareness about the difficulties faced by rural women. Held annually during the month of October for Women’s History Month.

• South Africa follows the same tradition as we do here in the United States. There are quite a few African countries that go alongside the United States that have adopted the May tradition.

• Nigeria, the home of my ancestry – The tradition, dating back to the 16th century, was later associated with visiting one’s mother church or home parish. Over time, picking flowers for mothers and decorating churches became part of the celebration. Constance Smith’s book, “Revival of Mothering Sunday” (1920), further popularized the practice, and by 1938, every parish in the UK observed the day. Over time, Mothering Sunday and Mother’s Day became intertwined.

Conversely, the Catholic Church in Nigeria designates the Sunday immediately after the Annunciation (March 25) as a feast commemorating the Virgin Mary’s divine motherhood. Occasionally, these two dates can overlap, as is the case this year, 2025. Meanwhile, many secular groups and individuals in Nigeria follow the American-influenced tradition of marking Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. As a result, Nigerian mothers are often celebrated on at least three different occasions each year.

The specific ways in which Mother’s Day is celebrated can vary by region and culture, reflecting unique traditions and values.

Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.