March 25, 2025
Mother's Day is celebrated globally as a time to honor mothers and maternal figures for their endless love, sacrifice, and commitment. While the holiday is observed in many countries, its history, customs, and even dates vary widely around the world. This guide explores the rich tapestry of Mother's Day traditions and explains the fascinating history behind this beloved celebration.
Origins and History of Mother's Day
When is Mother's Day typically celebrated in the United States?
In the United States, Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday in May. This tradition began in the early 20th century, but the idea of honoring mothers has much deeper historical roots. The modern American holiday was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. Jarvis chose the second Sunday in May to commemorate the anniversary of her mother's death and envisioned a day when all mothers would be honored with white carnations and thoughtful handwritten letters expressing gratitude.
Who is credited with founding the official Mother's Day holiday in the United States?
Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) is recognized as the founder of Mother's Day in the United States. After her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis died in 1905, Anna campaigned to create a holiday honoring mothers. She organized the first official Mother's Day celebration at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, in May 1908. Anna's mother had been a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the Civil War and created "Mother's Day Work Clubs" to address public health issues.
Anna was determined to see her mother's compassionate work and all mothers' sacrifices properly recognized. She wrote countless letters to newspapers, politicians, and business leaders. Her persistence paid off when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
In what year was Mother's Day officially established as a holiday in the United States?
Mother's Day was officially established as a national holiday in the United States in 1914. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation that officially established the first national Mother's Day, calling it "a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country." The resolution designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day and requested the display of the American flag on government buildings and private homes "as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country."
What president officially made Mother's Day a national holiday in the United States?
President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation establishing Mother's Day as a national holiday in 1914. Wilson, who served as the 28th president from 1913 to 1921, was known for his progressive reforms and eventually his leadership during World War I. During his campaign for the holiday, Anna Jarvis had gained the support of prominent Philadelphia businessman John Wanamaker, and the movement quickly gained popularity. When Wilson signed the proclamation, the holiday received immediate commercial attention—something that would later greatly distress its founder.
What was the original intention of Julia Ward Howe's "Mother's Day Proclamation" in 1870?
Before Anna Jarvis's campaign, Julia Ward Howe (author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic") made a significant early push for a mother-centered holiday in 1870. Her "Mother's Day Proclamation" was not primarily about honoring mothers in the modern sense, but was instead a pacifist reaction to the carnage of the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War.
Howe's proclamation called for women to unite against war, writing: "Arise, then, women of this day! Arise, all women who have hearts, whether your baptism be that of water or tears!" She proposed an international "Mother's Peace Day" to be celebrated on June 2, and for years promoted a mother's peace movement. While her efforts never resulted in a formally recognized holiday, they represented an important stepping stone toward establishing Mother's Day with its initial emphasis on peace and social activism rather than purely commercial celebration.
The Commercialization of Mother's Day
What happened to Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day, later in her life regarding the holiday?
In one of the most ironic twists in holiday history, Anna Jarvis eventually came to despise the very holiday she had worked so hard to establish. By the 1920s, she became increasingly disturbed by the commercialization of Mother's Day. She had envisioned a day of personal connection and heartfelt appreciation expressed through handwritten letters and the wearing of white carnations, not the buying of ready-made cards, candies, and gifts.
Jarvis spent the latter part of her life actively fighting against the commercialization of Mother's Day. She organized boycotts, threatened lawsuits, and even got arrested for disturbing the peace at a Mother's Day carnation sale. She was particularly outraged by the selling of Mother's Day cards, which she saw as a lazy substitute for personal, heartfelt letters. "A printed card means nothing," she said, "except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world."
Jarvis spent much of her personal wealth in legal fees fighting what she saw as the corruption of her holiday. She tried unsuccessfully to have it removed from the calendar. Sadly, she died penniless in 1948 in a sanitarium, never having had children of her own.
What is the most common gift given on Mother's Day?
Flowers have traditionally been the most common Mother's Day gift, with an estimated two-thirds of people purchasing floral arrangements for their mothers. This tradition aligns with Anna Jarvis's original vision, as she chose her mother's favorite flower, the white carnation, as the day's emblem. According to the National Retail Federation, after flowers, the most popular gifts include greeting cards, special outings (like restaurant meals), gift cards, clothing, jewelry, and personal service gifts such as spa treatments.
Despite Anna Jarvis's dismay at the commercialization, Mother's Day has become one of the biggest consumer holidays. According to recent estimates, Americans spend approximately $25 billion annually on Mother's Day gifts and celebrations, with the average person spending around $200 on their mother or mother figure.
According to the National Retail Federation, approximately how much do Americans spend annually on Mother's Day?
Mother's Day has become one of America's biggest spending holidays, with recent figures from the National Retail Federation estimating that Americans spend approximately $25 billion annually on Mother's Day gifts and celebrations. This places it as the third-largest retail holiday in the U.S., behind only the winter holidays and back-to-school season.
This massive spending represents a far cry from Anna Jarvis's original vision of a simple day of appreciation marked by wearing a carnation and writing a heartfelt letter. The average American spends around $200 on Mother's Day gifts, with millennials typically spending more than other age groups. Top spending categories include jewelry ($5.2 billion), special outings like dinner or brunch ($4.6 billion), flowers ($2.6 billion), gift cards ($2.5 billion), clothing ($2.1 billion), and electronics ($2.2 billion).
What percentage of phone calls made on Mother's Day in the United States are to mothers?
According to telecommunications companies, approximately 68% of all phone calls made on Mother's Day in the United States are to mothers or maternal figures. This makes Mother's Day the busiest phone call day of the year in the U.S., surpassing even Christmas and New Year's. In the age of text messages and social media, the fact that so many people still choose to make a voice call to their mothers demonstrates the personal connection many feel is necessary for this special day.
Historically, the telephone industry has reported call volumes increasing by as much as 37% on Mother's Day. Beyond phone calls, video chat services like FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype also report significant spikes in usage, as families separated by distance try to create more intimate connections than a simple phone call can provide.
Symbols and Traditions of Mother's Day
What flower is traditionally associated with Mother's Day?
The carnation is the flower most traditionally associated with Mother's Day in the United States. This tradition began with Anna Jarvis, who delivered 500 white carnations to the first official Mother's Day service in 1908—chosen because they were her mother's favorite flower. Originally, white carnations were worn to honor deceased mothers, while pink or red carnations were worn to honor living mothers.
As the holiday spread internationally, different flowers gained significance in various cultures. In Australia, chrysanthemums are popular because they're in season during their Mother's Day (also the second Sunday in May) and because they end in "mum," the Australian term for mother. In Japan, the red carnation is the traditional flower because it's said to represent the sweet, gentle, and enduring nature of a mother's love.
In Japan, what flower is traditionally given on Mother's Day?
In Japan, the red carnation is the traditional Mother's Day flower. Mother's Day was introduced to Japan after World War II and is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, the same day as in the United States. The red carnation holds special significance as it represents the purity, sweetness, and endurance of a mother's love. The tradition is so strong that Japanese florists report that red carnations account for 70-80% of their flower sales in the days leading up to Mother's Day.
Beyond giving carnations, Japanese children often draw pictures of their mothers and participate in art contests around the holiday. Many families celebrate by giving their mothers a break from household duties, preparing meals for her, and sometimes arranging for her to receive special beauty treatments or relaxation services.
What was the original symbolic meaning of white carnations for Mother's Day according to Anna Jarvis?
When Anna Jarvis chose the white carnation as the emblem of Mother's Day, she explained that it symbolized the "mother's pure love," reflecting the purity, faithfulness, and endurance of maternal love. She chose white specifically because it represented the truth and purity of a mother's love, as well as the brightness and light that a devoted mother brings into her children's lives.
Jarvis elaborated on this symbolism, writing that the carnation "does not drop its petals, but hugs them to its heart as it dies, and so, too, mothers hug their children to their hearts, their mother love never dying." In the early years of Mother's Day, Jarvis would send 500 white carnations to the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in her hometown for the Mother's Day service. Eventually, the tradition evolved to wearing white carnations to honor deceased mothers and colored carnations (particularly pink or red) to honor living mothers.
Mother's Day Around the World
In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day is also known as what?
In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day is traditionally known as "Mothering Sunday." Unlike the American holiday, the UK's celebration has religious origins dating back to the 16th century. Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday, and historically had no connection to the American Mother's Day until relatively recently.
Originally, Mothering Sunday was a day when Christians would visit their "mother church" (the main church or cathedral in their area). Domestic servants, who often lived with their employers, were given the day off to return to their home parishes and visit their families. As they walked home, children would pick wildflowers to give to their mothers, beginning the association with flowers.
Over time, the religious aspect faded, and influenced by the American Mother's Day, the UK's Mothering Sunday evolved into a secular celebration of mothers. Today, while many Britons know the holiday by its traditional name, it's increasingly referred to simply as "Mother's Day" due to American cultural influence.
In what month is Mother's Day celebrated in most Arab countries?
In most Arab countries, Mother's Day is celebrated on March 21st, which coincides with the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This date was established in 1956 by Egyptian journalist Mustafa Amin, who proposed the idea in his column. The tradition quickly spread throughout the Arab world.
The date was chosen to coincide with the first day of spring, symbolizing new life and renewal, which complemented the celebration of mothers as givers of life. Today, Mother's Day is widely celebrated across the Arab world, including in Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, and many other countries. Celebrations typically include giving gifts, flowers (particularly roses), and cards to mothers and maternal figures, as well as family gatherings and special meals.
In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on what date?
In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12th, which is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is regarded as the mother of the nation. This connection between motherhood and the monarchy illustrates the deep reverence for both institutions in Thai culture. The celebration was established in the 1980s, replacing the previous date of April 15th.
On Thai Mother's Day, jasmine flowers (particularly a variety called Dok Mali) are traditionally given to mothers and grandmothers. This white flower is seen as a symbol of maternal love because of its purity and fragrance. Across Thailand, people wear blue—the Queen's symbolic color—and many participate in almsgiving and merit-making ceremonies at temples. Schools often hold special ceremonies where children kneel at their mothers' feet to thank them, expressing gratitude in this traditional Thai gesture of respect.
Which country celebrates Mother's Day on December 8th to coincide with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception?
Panama celebrates Mother's Day on December 8th, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a significant Catholic holy day that honors Mary, the mother of Jesus. This connection between Mother's Day and religious observance is common in predominantly Catholic countries, where veneration of the Virgin Mary has historically been associated with ideals of motherhood.
Panama's celebration, like many Latin American Mother's Days, is a major holiday that typically features large family gatherings, special meals, music, and gift-giving. Schools often put on performances where children recite poetry, sing songs, and perform traditional dances in honor of mothers. Many Panamanians attend special church services on this day, praying for the health and wellbeing of their mothers.
Which of these countries celebrates Mother's Day on February 21st?
Norway celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in February, which sometimes falls on February 21st, depending on the year. This winter celebration differs from the spring and summer dates common in many other countries. The Norwegian Mother's Day (Morsdag) was initially organized by religious organizations in the early 20th century but is now a secular celebration.
Norwegian children traditionally serve their mothers breakfast in bed, often featuring fresh baked goods. Small gifts, flowers (particularly spring flowers like tulips, which represent the coming end of winter), and handmade cards are common. While Norway's celebration shares many features with Mother's Day in other countries, its winter timing gives it a distinct character, often celebrated amid snow and with seasonal foods and decorations.
In ancient Greece, which goddess was honored in a festival considered an early form of Mother's Day?
In ancient Greece, Rhea was honored in festivals that some consider early precursors to modern Mother's Day celebrations. Rhea was the Titan goddess of fertility, motherhood, generation, and comfort. According to Greek mythology, she was the wife of Cronus and mother of the first generation of Olympian gods, including Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia.
The ancient Greeks would hold spring festivals to honor Rhea, whom they called the "Mountain Mother." These celebrations included offerings, feasts, and religious ceremonies at temples dedicated to her throughout Greece. Similar celebrations honoring mother goddesses existed in ancient Rome (where they celebrated Cybele, the great mother of the gods) and in ancient Egypt (where they honored the goddess Isis, who was considered the ideal mother and was often depicted nursing her son Horus).
These ancient celebrations of mother deities demonstrate how the concept of honoring motherhood has deep historical roots across many cultures, long predating the modern holiday.
What is the traditional Mother's Day dessert in France?
In France, a flower-shaped cake known as "gâteau pour la fête des mères" (cake for Mother's Day) is the traditional dessert for Mother's Day celebrations. This cake is typically designed to resemble a bouquet of flowers, decorated with colorful frosting, fresh fruits, or edible flowers to create a beautiful, spring-like appearance.
French Mother's Day (La Fête des Mères) is celebrated on the last Sunday in May unless it conflicts with Pentecost, in which case it's moved to the first Sunday in June. Like many aspects of French culture, their Mother's Day celebrations emphasize elegance and culinary excellence. Beyond the special cake, French families typically prepare a lavish family meal, present their mothers with bouquets of flowers (often roses or lilies), and give thoughtful gifts.
The holiday became official in France in 1950, though its roots go back to Napoleonic times when the emperor suggested a special day to honor mothers of large families. After World War I, the government began awarding medals to mothers of large families who had helped rebuild France's population after the war, and by 1920, there was an official "National Day of Mothers of Large Families."
The Global Impact of Mother's Day
What is the approximate number of mothers in the United States according to recent census data?
According to recent census data, there are approximately 85 million mothers in the United States. This figure includes biological mothers, stepmothers, and adoptive mothers. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that about 43 million are women under 50 who have given birth, while others are older mothers or women who became mothers through adoption or marriage.
Demographically, American motherhood has been changing significantly in recent decades. Women are having fewer children on average (the U.S. fertility rate is around 1.7 children per woman, down from 3.7 in the 1960s) and are having their first child at older ages. The average age of first-time mothers has increased from 21 in 1970 to around 26 today, with many urban and highly educated women waiting until their 30s to have children.
Single motherhood has also become more common, with about 40% of births occurring outside of marriage, though many of these mothers are in cohabiting relationships. Additionally, more women are choosing not to have children, with about 15% of women reaching the end of their childbearing years without having given birth, compared to 10% in the 1970s.
In what month is Mother's Day celebrated in most Arab countries?
In most Arab countries, Mother's Day is celebrated on March 21st, coinciding with the spring equinox. This date was established by Egyptian journalist Mustafa Amin in 1956. Amin, who co-founded the Akhbar Al-Youm publishing house with his twin brother Ali, was inspired to establish the holiday after hearing the story of a widowed mother who had devoted her life to raising her son. When the son became successful, he neglected his aging mother. Touched by this story, Amin campaigned through his widely-read column for a day honoring mothers.
The idea was initially met with resistance from some religious and conservative elements who saw it as a Western import, but it quickly gained popularity and spread throughout the Arab world. Today, Mother's Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across North Africa and the Middle East, with children giving gifts, cards, and flowers to their mothers. In Egypt particularly, Mother's Day is a major celebration, with special television programs dedicated to mothers and many businesses offering Mother's Day promotions.
Mother's Day in a Changing World
As we move further into the 21st century, Mother's Day continues to evolve. The definition of motherhood itself is expanding and becoming more inclusive, acknowledging different family structures and parenting roles. Many people now use Mother's Day to honor not just biological mothers but stepmothers, grandmothers, aunts, mentors, and other important maternal figures in their lives.
The digital age has also transformed how we celebrate. Social media platforms fill with tributes on Mother's Day, allowing public expressions of gratitude. Video calls connect mothers with children living far away, and e-commerce has made sending gifts easier than ever—though Anna Jarvis would likely have mixed feelings about these developments.
Despite these changes, the core sentiment of Mother's Day remains constant: taking time to appreciate and honor the women who nurture, support, and shape our lives. Whether celebrated with elaborate gifts, simple phone calls, or quiet moments together, Mother's Day continues to provide an opportunity to acknowledge the profound impact mothers have on individuals, families, and society.
