What is Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day is a holiday dedicated to honoring and celebrating mothers, motherhood, and the influence of mothers in society. It is a day to express gratitude and appreciation for the love, care, and sacrifices that mothers make for their children and families.
When is Mother’s Day?
The date of Mother’s Day varies depending on the country. In many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
- In 2024, Mother’s Day in the United States will be celebrated on Sunday, May 12.
Traditional Activities of Mother’s Day
Common Traditions
Breakfast in Bed: Many families prepare a special breakfast for their mothers, often served in bed to start the day with a personal touch.
Handmade Cards and Gifts: Children typically create personalized cards and gifts, which are cherished for their sentimental value.
Family Gatherings: Families often come together for special meals, whether at home or in restaurants, to celebrate and spend quality time together.
Giving Flowers: Carnations are traditionally given on Mother's Day, symbolizing love and admiration. They became associated with the holiday due to Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day, who promoted their use as a way to honor mothers.
Special Activities
Pampering Experiences: Many mothers are treated to spa days or beauty treatments, allowing them to relax and feel appreciated.
Outdoor Activities: Some families choose to celebrate by engaging in outdoor activities, such as picnics, hikes, or other recreational outings that allow for bonding time.
Writing Letters: In line with Anna Jarvis’s original intent, some families emphasize writing heartfelt letters to express their gratitude and love, rather than focusing solely on commercial gifts.
Shopping Activities for Mother's Day
Interactive Stations: Retailers can set up stations for children to create personalized Mother's Day cards or crafts, making the shopping experience more engaging.
Gift Guides: Stores can curate gift guides featuring top-rated products, such as jewelry, beauty items, and home decor, to help customers find the perfect gift for their mothers. This can also include themed bundles like spa days or cooking kits.
The History of Mother’s Day
Origins in the United States
The modern celebration of Mother's Day in the United States was established by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century. After her mother, Ann Jarvis, passed away in 1905, Anna sought to honor her mother's legacy of community service and maternal care. The first official Mother's Day celebration took place on May 10, 1908, at St. Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where Anna's mother had taught Sunday school. This event included a memorial service and the distribution of white carnations, which became a symbol of the holiday.
Anna Jarvis campaigned tirelessly for the recognition of Mother's Day as a national holiday, which was achieved in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May. However, by the 1920s, Jarvis became disillusioned with the commercialization of the holiday, as it had become heavily marketed by florists and card companies.
Establishment as a National Holiday
State Recognitions: By 1911, all U.S. states observed Mother's Day, with some officially recognizing it as a local holiday, starting with West Virginia in 1910.
National Proclamation: After years of advocacy, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation on May 8, 1914, designating the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers.
Celebrations Around the World
Mother's Day is celebrated on different dates and in various ways globally:
Ethiopia: Celebrated during Antrosht, a three-day festival at the end of the rainy season, where families gather for a large meal and festivities.
Japan: Originally celebrated on March 6, the day was moved in 1949 to the second Sunday in May. Carnations are traditionally given as gifts, symbolizing a mother's enduring love.
Mexico: Día de Las Madres is celebrated on May 10, where families take mothers out for meals and mariachi bands often perform in their honor.
Other Countries: Many other nations have adopted the American version of Mother's Day, celebrating it on the second Sunday in May, while others maintain their unique traditions and dates.
