The History Behind Mother's & Father's Day Traditions

"Thank you for laughing with us in the best of times and sticking with us through the worst of times!"  This is a sentiment that applies to both Mother's Day and Father's Day....some of our most recent additions to the holiday pantheon.  But why do we have two separate days?

History of Mother’s Day

The celebration of motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greek and Roman world, but a more modern-day origin is found with "Mothering Sunday" in the United Kingdom.  Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this 18th century celebration was a time when industrial workers and laborers had the opportunity to return home and spend time with their mothers.

The Industrial Revolution, which changed England from a service-society to a more factory-based society, hence changing living patterns, changed the customs of "Mothering Sunday."  Coupled with the rise of the American holiday in the 1930s and 40s, the older holiday eventually merged with the American version, though it is still celebrated in some parts of the United Kingdom today.

Our spine reads for this unit are:

• The Night Before Mother's Day
• Love You Forever
• The Night Before Father's Day
• Just Me & My Dad

Access the entire unit in History Behind Our Holidays unit study bundle!

Includes eight American holidays. Each unit has introductory text, which will give the student the holiday’s history and customs.

•  Introduction
•  Valentine’s Day
•  St. Patrick’s Day
•  Easter
•  Mother’s Day
•  Father’s Day
•  Halloween
•  Thanksgiving
•  Christmas

In addition to text, there are featured videos, which augment the background information and help make the topic more accessible for more visual students. You will also find a short list of reading books and fun hands-on activities!

Product Samples:   Valentine's Day & Christmas Traditions

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