Fellow Weavers,

Mother's Day is celebrated on Sunday 12th may- so hope you have a special gift wrapped up for your Mum!

The origins of Mother's Day can be traced back as far as the ancient Greeks and Romans.

The ancient Greeks performed an annual spring festival dedicated to honouring the maternal goddesses. In particular, they honoured Rhea, the wife of Cronus, who was the mother of many deities of Greek mythology.

The Ancient Romans also celebrated a spring festival called Hilaria. This festival was dedicated to the Cybele, a Roman mother goddess. The celebration was marked by offerings presented to the temple of Cybele which lasted for three days and included parades, games and masquerades.

Early Christians also celebrated a Mother's Day of sorts during the festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent in honour of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ.

The idea of an official celebration of Mother's Day was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872. Julia, who was an activist, writer and poet suggested that 2 June 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 the 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.

In South Africa, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. The most commonly used flower on Mother's Day is the traditional carnation. South African's use Mother's Day to not only thank their mothers, but also grandmothers and other mother figures in their lives.

For those of you who don't know what to get your Mother for Mother's Day - how about a Voucher from our gorgeous online store? While purchasing your gift - put yourself in line to win one of 2 R1500 vouchers.