Mother’s Day is a popular holiday in America that is devoted to the appreciation and celebration of motherhood and the role that mothers play in the family and society. It is celebrated every year and offers a special day where people get to say thanks and show appreciation to their mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, and other maternal figures that have made a substantial difference in their lives. The day is celebrated with various personal gestures of appreciation and gratitude.
Why do we celebrate Mother’s Day?
The fundamental concept of Mother’s Day is appreciation. It is a special day to celebrate the hard work, effort, and devotion that mothers give. It holds special value to honour the significance of the maternal figure in raising people and households. The day emphasises commemorating the special connection between a child and their mother and the role mothers play in shaping life.
In America, Mother’s Day is always held on the second Sunday in May. This year in 2025, it will be on 11-May-2025. This same date is commemorated by several different countries, such as Australia and Canada. But note that the day to honour mothers differs quite a lot worldwide, depending upon various traditions and different historical roots.
Mother’s Day Celebrations in Some Countries
Country
Date or Timing of Celebration
United States
Second Sunday in May
Canada
Second Sunday in May
Australia
Second Sunday in May
United Kingdom
Mothering Sunday (3 weeks before Easter)
Thailand
August 12 (Queen Sirikit’s Birthday)
Costa Rica
August 15
Georgia
March 3
Samoa
Second Monday in May
These differences reveal the unique worldwide traditions that revolve around celebrating mothers.
What are the origins of Mother’s Day in the United States?
The creation of Mother’s Day in the US took the collective efforts of various people over the course of time.
Earlier Ideals: In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, composer of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, came up with a “Mother’s Day for Peace,” where women would unite to promote peace. Though she arranged to have this day commemorated in some years in Boston, the concept found no mass adoption at the time.
Anna Jarvis’s Campaign: The earliest direct antecedent to today’s holiday originated with Anna Jarvis. After the death of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis (a public health activist), Anna campaigned to have a day to commemorate the sacrifices made by mothers to their children.
She arranged the first observance at a church in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908. This is regarded as a pivotal event in the holiday’s development. That church is now known as the International Mother’s Day Shrine.
Anna campaigned relentlessly, draughting letters to members of Congress and other influential people advocating a national day to honour mothers.
Official Acceptance: The effort was successful, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a declaration officially recognising the second Sunday of May as a national holiday to honour mothers.
Although Anna Jarvis is widely famed, some historians also reference earlier, localised movements such as those that were likely organised by Juliet Calhoun Blakely in Michigan.
What are some common customs and traditions for celebrating Mother’s Day?
On Mother’s Day, Americans participate in several actions to honour their mothers and mother figures. Some common activities include:
- Gift-giving: Gifts can vary from greeting cards and bouquets to chocolates and clothes, jewellery, or gift certificates to spa services or another experience.
- Meal Sharing: Some families take their moms to a restaurant to have a special meal, usually a dinner or a brunch. Others cook a special meal at home.
- Personal Gestures: Sharing quality time, doing chores, or giving handmade items (particularly from children) are also heartfelt ways to celebrate.
Traditionally, carnations have been linked with Mother’s Day, selected by Anna Jarvis. The white carnation was her mother’s favourite flower and was meant to signify characteristics such as purity and a mother’s timeless love. Over time, the symbolism has shifted a bit:
- White Carnations: Traditionally, these are worn to commemorate or honour a deceased mother.
- Red or Pink Carnations: Usually presented to symbolise gratitude and maternal love to a living mother.
Although carnations carry this classic meaning, any bloom that the mother favours is a fitting and considerate gift.
Is Mother’s Day a Public Holiday in the US?
Mother’s Day is not a U.S. federal holiday, and schools, government agencies, and many businesses operate under typical Sunday hours. But it is one of the busiest days at restaurants, gift stores, and florists.
Mother’s Day is special to show appreciation and gratitude to mothers and all mother-like figures. Aside from presents and food, the day is to celebrate the sacrifices and the sense of love that the mothers give to their families.
