Mother’s Day: A Celebration of Mothers and Motherhood

Mother’s Day is a special holiday dedicated to honoring and appreciating mothers, motherhood, and maternal bonds. It is celebrated in various forms across the globe, with its modern version originating in the United States in the early 20th century.

Quick Facts

• When is it?: In the U.S., Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year.
• Tagged as: A day to honor mothers, motherhood, and maternal figures.
• What’s the hashtag?: #MothersDay
• When was it founded?: The first official celebration was held on May 10, 1908.
• Who founded it?: Anna Jarvis is credited with founding Mother’s Day.

History of Mother’s Day

The idea of celebrating mothers dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, who honored mother goddesses like Rhea and Cybele. In the U.S., the modern Mother’s Day was initiated by Anna Jarvis to honor her late mother, Ann Jarvis, who had organized “Mother’s Work Days” to promote health and sanitation. The first official celebration took place in 1908 in West Virginia. By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday.

Interestingly, Anna Jarvis later protested against the commercialization of the holiday she created, believing it had strayed from its original intent of personal appreciation.

Timeline

• Ancient Times: Greeks and Romans celebrate mother goddesses.
• 1858: Ann Jarvis organizes “Mother’s Work Days.”
• 1907: Anna Jarvis holds a memorial for her mother.
• 1908: First official Mother’s Day celebration.
• 1914: Mother’s Day becomes a national holiday in the U.S.
• Present Day: Celebrated globally with unique traditions.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 11	Sunday
2026	May 10	Sunday
2027	May 9	Sunday
2028	May 14	Sunday
2029	May 13	Sunday
2030	May 12	Sunday

Observed

Mother’s Day is observed worldwide but on different dates depending on cultural traditions. For example:

• In Thailand, it coincides with the Queen’s birthday in August.
• In Ethiopia, families celebrate with songs and feasts during Antrosht.
• The UK observes “Mothering Sunday” on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day

• Carnations are the traditional flower for Mother’s Day—red for living mothers and white for those who have passed.
• More phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year (approximately 122 million).
• It is one of the busiest days for restaurants globally.
• Americans spend billions annually on gifts like flowers, cards, and jewelry for their moms.

Quiz

1. What flower symbolizes Mother’s Day?

• a) Rose
• b) Tulip
• c) Carnation
• d) Daisy

1. Who founded Mother’s Day in the U.S.?

• a) Julia Ward Howe
• b) Anna Jarvis
• c) Clara Barton
• d) Susan B. Anthony

1. What year did Mother’s Day become a national holiday in the U.S.?

• a) 1908
• b) 1914
• c) 1920
• d) 1934

Answers:

1. c) Carnation
2. b) Anna Jarvis
3. b) 1914

FAQs

1. Why is Mother’s Day celebrated?
   To honor mothers and their contributions to family and society.
2. Why does the date vary each year?
   In many countries like the U.S., it falls on the second Sunday of May.
3. What are popular gifts for Mother’s Day?
   Flowers, greeting cards, jewelry, spa treatments, and family meals.

Related

• Father’s Day
• International Women’s Day
• Parent Appreciation Days
• Family Reunions