isis with her son horus

Contrary to popular belief, Hallmark cards did not give birth to Mother’s Day. Instead, the hallmarks of the holiday are spiritual. The ancient Egyptians honored Isis, the goddess known as the Mother of the Pharaohs. The Romans acknowledged Isis, but their main Mother’s Day celebration focused on Cybele, the Great Mother goddess. The earliest European celebration of Mother’s Day paid tribute to the Christian Church; the Church was affectionately called “Mother Church.” It was not until the 1600s that mere mortal mothers were also celebrated.

American settlers did not continue the tradition of their European forefathers and foremothers, for it went against their Puritan ideals. In America, it took war to promote love. In light of the Civil War, Julia Ward Howe planted the Mother’s Day seed in her 1870 Mother’s Day Proclamation. Anna Reeves Jarvis, the leader of a West Virginia women’s group, adapted Howe’s ideas to reunite divided Union and Confederate families. In order to honor her own mother, Anna M. Jarvis, the daughter of Anna Reeves, fought for the first official Mother’s Day celebration in 1908. In 1914, President Wilson deemed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Whether it is celebrating “Dia de las Madres” in Mexico, “Yaum ul-umm” in Pakistan or “Materitse” in Yugoslavia, Mother’s Day has global appeal. Similar to the different translations and celebrations across the globe, CED has a unique selection of shapes, patterns, materials and stones for every mom. Like the roots of the holiday, CED jewelry focuses on the purest form of a piece to awaken the spirit. Our jewelry transcends the material, and it helps the wearer discover, express, and reveal their true self. Since the holiday that we celebrate today is a modern one, CED’s infinitely modern jewelry is the perfect gift for the modern mom.

- Jessica Ramos is a Los Angeles freelance writer.

Here’s to my Mom! Happy Mother’s Day to you and yours!

To Help Celebrate your Mother’s Day use promo code:  Mother2012

for 10% off on Modeux, CED Sterling Silver and Bead collections.