Mother’s Day began as early as the Middle Ages, when children in Europe would travel back home from their training as apprentices at various jobs. The reunion of mother and child was rare, with children as young as ten seeing their mothers only twice a year. This early separation led to the creation of “Mothering Sunday,” a term that referred to the Sunday before Lent. Popular Mother’s Day gifts have changed over the years, with todays choices including Mother’s jewelry, flowers, and candy.
Early Mother’s Day Gifts
In the Middle Ages, it was common for children to bring their mothers presents that were small but thoughtful. Bunches of flowers and small gifts from the region they were apprenticed to were common gifts. Apprenticed children did not earn a salary (only room and board), so the gifts were simple and inexpensive tokens. Gifts of food, such as cake, were very common, as well. These early traditions led to the inception of Mother’s Day, which was made an official holiday in 1914.
The Mother’s Day that we celebrate today is very different from this older tradition. Initially, Mother’s Day was a day of thanks for all the love and work mothers do, and although gifts were not uncommon they were small and inexpensive. Mother’s Day is celebrated by families around the world today, with common gifts being personalized jewelry, such as mother’s rings and necklaces.
Modern Gifts for Mom
Some of the modern gifts for Mother’s Day are very creative, and can be nearly anything that you think you mom will appreciate. From flowers to dinner to jewelry, there are many different options available. There are endless ways to create personalized jewelry that is truly personal and unique for your mothers. Add children’s names, birth dates or birthstones. Add a phrase that has meaning or even Chinese Symbols for a special word or phrase. Mother’s jewelry is an excellent choice if you and your sibling want to give mom something special.
Mother’s jewelry that indicates the birthstones of her children is also very popular. Whether you choose a mother’s birthstone ring that has a stone for each child or a personalized necklace for mom, the choices are endless. You can choose from white gold, yellow gold or sterling silver for all your Mother’s Day gifts. There are also other gifts that are meaningful and appreciated, such as dinner out (especially thoughtful if your mom cooks a lot!), or anything you know your mother will use and love.
