If there is a lull in conversation at your Mother’s Day gathering, hit up your companions with your impressive (if not geeky) knowledge of this day: The origins of celebrating motherhood can be traced back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where festivals were held in honor of their mother goddesses, Rhea and Cybele. Much later, in the 16th century, Mothering Sunday was recognized during the fourth Sunday of Lent for parishes of the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. So, this holiday was less about mothers and more about attending your “mother church,” meaning the local Christian church.

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