Celebrating Mother’s Day: History, Traditions, & Ideas

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Mother’s Day is a special holiday dedicated to honoring our mothers for all they have done. It’s a lifetime filled with round-the-clock duty, words of love and encouragement, and a special something that always makes things better!

There are several claims to who first created the idea and how a day for mothers was meant to be spent. Mother’s Day as many know and celebrate is filled with gifts, cards, and family gatherings where children of every age show their love and appreciation for mom.

How did Mother’s Day begin in the US?

In an effort to fulfill her mother’s dream of creating a day for mothers, Anna Jarvis, recognized as the founder of Mother’s Day, put all her efforts into creating a movement that recognized moms.

On May 10, 1908, she sent 500 carnations to her hometown church in remembrance of her mother, Ann Jarvis. Meanwhile, she held a special celebration in Philadelphia, which later marked America’s very first official Mother’s Day. 

As more women were entering the workforce, the idea of Mother’s Day swept the nation to recognize their strength, dedication, and important roles in the family. On May 9, 1914, President Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day; a time for “public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”

How is Mother’s Day celebrated?

Through the efforts of Jarvis and her Mother’s Day International Association, her marketing and joint efforts with florists and card makers sparked gift-giving traditions.

Children create handmade crafts for mom (like these lovely paper tulips), help dad make her a healthy breakfast in bed, and gift her with tiny treasures and jewelry to say I love you.

Many families gather with mom for a Sunday brunch or diner together at home while giving mom a day off from cooking and cleaning. If they can’t be together to celebrate, Mother’s Day cards are often sent to shower mom with affection for the special day.

Mother’s Day Traditions Around the World

Mother’s Day looks a bit different around the world. From the day moms are recognized to the reasons they are honored, each culture has their own traditions. Let’s take a look at a few Mother’s Day celebrations in other countries:

 Japan

Mother’s Day in Japan after World War II became a day dedicated to comforting moms who’d lost their son in the war. Celebrated in March, the carnation is seen everywhere, symbolizing a mother’s endurance of motherhood in the Japanese culture.

Children use to give a red carnation to their living mother and display a white carnation if she had passed. White has now become the traditional color for all mothers.

 France

In 1920, the French government awarded medals to moms with several children as recognition and gratitude for rebuilding the population after the lives lost in World War I.

Following World War II, the government declared the last Sunday in May the Day of Mothers, where the traditional gift has become a flower-shaped cake.

India

October in India brings a 10-day festival for honoring mothers. Hindus honor Durga, the goddess of mothers, during this time known as Durga Puja.

Families prepare food, gifts, and decorate their homes for weeks prior to the festival. The sixteenth century tradition combines a religious ceremony and a time of family reunions.

United Kingdom

Mother’s Day in the UK is known as Mothering Sunday and falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Originating from the 1700s, it was a day for young house servants to visit home and spend time with their moms.

Today, it’s a UK holiday rooted in religion, with churches passing out daffodils for children to present to their mothers. Traditionally, daughters will also bake mom a fruitcake for the occassion.

Fun Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, give mom a homemade gift from the heart to show her how much she means to you. Help the kids cook her a nice meal while she relaxes or share their favorite books about moms. Most importantly, express how much she means to your family for all that she does.

Wishing every mom a Happy Mother’s Day!