Origin and History of Mother’s Day – Know The Story Behind It

From Greece to America, the history of Mother’s Day is a long one. Anna Jarvis, organised an awareness campaign for poor health conditions that mothers in her community faced, and urged them to stand up for the cause, since they would be more sympathetic. Thus, started a motion that soon turned into a day celebrating motherhood.The mother day story goes back to ancient times when festivals were held to honor maternal figures. Over the centuries, this simple idea evolved into a worldwide tradition.

Gearing up to wish your mom yet another great Mother’s Day, but don’t know who to thank for creating this day? Well, here is a timeline of how this day came to life. It will definitely bring more meaning to your wishes this year.

Origin and History of Mother’s Day

The history of Mother’s Day reflects centuries of honoring motherhood across cultures. Learn how this heartfelt tradition evolved into the celebration we know today.

1. A Hint of History

Ancient Greeks and Romans had festivals dedicated to mother goddesses like Rhea and Cybele. However, one of the earliest celebrations of Mother’s Day can be traced to the concept of ‘Mothering Sunday’ – which was a Christian festival. This was held on the fourth Sunday during the period of Lent. Hence, it is believed this is how and where Mother’s Day originated from.

2. The Role of Ann Jarvis

It took a homemaker, Ann Jarvis, to finally realise the importance of having a day honouring mothers. She rallied for mothers to take up the cause of poor health conditions in the community she lived in. When Ann Jarvis passed away in 1905, her daughter decided to take up the cause that her mother campaigned for. Anna Jarvis initiated celebrating Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. After being successful in gaining financial backup, Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at the Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. She felt there were not many days that honoured women as opposed to men.

3. The Campaign gets Noticed

Ann’s daughter decided to campaign for a special day, which would be marked to celebrate mothers and their contributions around the country. In fact, at a church service organized to celebrate Anna’s mother in 1908, she distributed her mother’s favourite flower – the white carnation. Five years later, the House of Representative resolved that government officials would wear the white carnation on Mother’s Day. In 1914, Anna’s hardwork paid off as President Woodrow Wilson passed a Bill that officially recognised Mother’s Day as a national holiday in the country. That is how, and from when Mother’s Day started.

The Founder’s Regret

The Mother’s Day celebrations took off as soon as it was made official. Cards, flowers, and presents were gifted to mother’s by their children. However, this did not go down well with Anna Jarvis Jr. She did not support the fact that the day was being commercialised. She protested, and was even arrested for disrupting a group selling carnations. It is also believed that before she passed away, she confessed that she regretted having started the Mother’s Day tradition. Ouch!

When is Mother’s Day Celebrated?

Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. However, most countries follow the tradition of celebrating the day on the second Sunday of May i.e 11th of May. If it hasn’t registered already, try going out on that day. You will witness crowded restaurants, and even find decorated novelty stores around town.

Celebration Of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special opportunity to show your mom just how much she means to you. Whether through grand gestures or small thoughtful moments, the day is all about making her feel loved and appreciated. Here are a few meaningful ways to celebrate.

• Spend Quality Time Together:  Sometimes, the best gift you can give is your time. Plan a day out, a cozy movie marathon, or simply sit down for a long conversation over coffee.
• Give a Thoughtful Gift: Choose something personal — like a handmade craft, a piece of jewelry, a book she loves, or a custom photo album filled with memories.
• Cook a Special Meal: Surprise your mom by preparing her favorite breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You could even organize a family brunch to make her feel extra special.
• Write a Heartfelt Letter: In today’s digital world, a handwritten note or letter stands out. Express your feelings and share what makes her so special in your life.
• Plan a Relaxing Experience: Treat her to a spa day at home with candles, relaxing music, and homemade face masks. You could also book a professional spa appointment for her.
• Create a Memory Scrapbook: Put together a scrapbook of old photos, notes, and memories. It’s a gift she will treasure forever.
• Host a Virtual Celebration: If you can’t be with your mom in person, plan a virtual party with family members. Share stories, play games, and make her feel loved from afar.
• Gift Her Flowers and Chocolates: A classic yet always appreciated gesture. Pick her favorite flowers and pair them with a box of delicious chocolates.
• Support Her Passions: Sign her up for a class she’s always wanted to try — like painting, dancing, or gardening. Encouraging her hobbies shows how much you care.
• Simply Say “Thank You”: Sometimes, the simplest words have the deepest impact. Look into her eyes, smile, and tell her how much you appreciate everything she does.

How Is Mother’s Day Celebrated In Different Countries?

Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world, but each country has its own special traditions to honor mothers and maternal figures.

• United States: In the U.S., Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Families typically show appreciation by giving flowers, cards, gifts, and spending quality time together. It’s common for children to treat their mothers to breakfast in bed or a special outing.
• United Kingdom: In the U.K., the day is called “Mothering Sunday” and falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, it was linked to church visits, but today it’s celebrated with flowers, cards, and family gatherings, much like in the U.S.
• Mexico: In Mexico, Mother’s Day (Día de las Madres) is celebrated on May 10th every year, no matter which day of the week it falls on. It often begins with children serenading their mothers with songs like “Las Mañanitas,” followed by family meals and celebrations.
• Japan: Mother’s Day in Japan also falls on the second Sunday of May. Children often give their mothers red or pink carnations, which symbolize love and gratitude. Homemade gifts, drawings, and special meals are also common.
• France: In France, Mother’s Day (Fête des Mères) is celebrated on the last Sunday of May or the first Sunday of June if it clashes with Pentecost. Children present cakes, flowers, and heartfelt gifts to their mothers.
• India: Mother’s Day is becoming increasingly popular in India, celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Families honor mothers with gifts, cards, and special gestures of love, blending Western traditions with Indian cultural values.
• Australia: Australians celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. Chrysanthemums, especially since they bloom in May and end with “mum,” are a popular flower choice. Gifts, breakfast in bed, and family outings are common traditions.
• Thailand: Thailand celebrates Mother’s Day on August 12th, coinciding with the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is regarded as the mother of the nation. The celebrations include ceremonies, jasmine flowers, and acts of service and respect.
• Ethiopia: In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is part of a multi-day festival called “Antrosht” celebrated at the end of the rainy season. Families gather for a big meal, sing songs, and honor mothers with traditional celebrations.

Mother’s Day Facts

know the amazing facts about Mother’s Day that highlight its rich history, unique customs across the world, and why it holds a special place in our hearts.

1. Mother’s Day was officially established in 1914.

2. Anna Jarvis is known as the founder of Mother’s Day.

3. The earliest celebrations of motherhood date back to ancient Greece and Rome.

4. Carnations are the official flower of Mother’s Day as Anna Jarvis chose carnations because they were her mother’s favorite flower, and they symbolize pure love.

5. Anna Jarvis later criticized the commercialization of Mother’s Day.

The long history about Mother’s Day and its origins has always remained a bit of a mystery. However, one cannot discount the effort of the Jarvis family in kick-starting the whole thing. While younger Anna may have regretted her decision to celebrate the day, Mother’s Day continues to be observed with fervour across the globe.

Also Read:

Ideas to Honour Mother’s Day
Unique Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Resolutions for Mother’s on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day Greeting and Card Ideas for Kids

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