The Story of Mother's Day in South Africa

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, the 10th of May in 2026. However, Mother's Day wasn't always a global celebration. Ancient cultures recognised the importance of motherhood. In ancient Greece, festivals were held in honour of Rhea, seen as the mother of many deities. The Romans also celebrated a mother goddess, Cybele, with spring festivals that focused on fertility and new life.

In the UK, a family tradition known as "Mothering Sunday" celebrates Moms, and dates back to the 1500s. This was linked to the church calendar and gave people the chance to return to their "mother church". Over time, it became a day spent with family, where mothers were recognised and small gifts were given.

The Mother's Day we celebrate today originated in the United States in the early 1900s. It was created by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honour her own mother and the role mothers play in everyday life.

In 1908, she organised the first official Mother's Day event. It quickly gained support and recognition across the country. A few years later, in 1914, Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday. He declared that it would be celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year.

Once celebrated in the United States, Mother's Day began to spread across the world. Many countries, including South Africa, adopted the May date. Others kept their own traditions and timing, like the UK's Mothering Sunday.

Each year, from Cape Town to Musina, South Africans celebrate their moms in some way, and especially on Mother’s Day.

As the celebration grew, so did the way people chose to mark the day. Flowers, cards and thoughtful gifts became popular, alongside family meals and time spent together.

Interestingly, Anna Jarvis later felt that the day had become too focused on shopping and not enough on genuine appreciation. She believed it should remain a simple and heartfelt way to say thank you.

That idea still resonates today. While gifts are often part of the celebration, the meaning behind them matters most.

Today, Mother's Day is about recognising and celebrating the role mothers and mother figures play in our lives. It is a chance to show appreciation in a way that feels personal and sincere. Some feel it means a shared meal or a quiet day at home. Others may give a thoughtful gift or a simple gesture. However it is celebrated, the focus remains the same.

It is about gratitude, care and connection. In every moment, gift, meal or gesture, Woolies has what you need. Shop for Mother’s Day now.