Exploring the History and Significance of Mother’s Day

In 2024, “Mother’s Day” will be celebrated on Sunday, May 12 in Vietnam. In many countries, “Mother’s Day” has become a day to honor loving mothers.

Today, the celebration of Mother’s Day has spread to over 65 countries worldwide (although on different dates). It is also an occasion for millions of people around the globe to remember the contributions of their mothers in giving birth, nurturing, supporting, and encouraging them.

Although Mother’s Day is celebrated on various dates around the world, the two most common are the second Sunday in May according to the American Mother’s Day tradition, followed by the fourth Sunday of Lent according to the British tradition known as Mothering Sunday.

History of Mother’s Day

The origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. Festivals honoring mothers were held annually in spring, and the Greeks would often make offerings to goddesses, especially to Rhea, the mother of many gods in Greek mythology.

Mother’s Day is a day to remember the contributions of mothers in giving birth, nurturing, supporting, and encouraging their children. (Illustrative Image).

However, the pioneers who formed and initiated “Mother’s Day” were two American women, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis and her daughter Anna Marie Jarvis.

A hundred years ago, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, a woman from West Virginia, USA, founded a group called “Mother’s Love Day” with the hope of reuniting family bonds that had been divided by the Civil War. After the group was formed, she wished to organize an annual day of remembrance for mothers, but unfortunately, she passed away before her dream could be realized.

As a devoted daughter, Anna Jarvis – the daughter of Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis – never forgot her mother’s wishes. Frustrated with the indifference of the American public towards her mother, she dedicated herself to fulfilling her mother’s wish for a day dedicated to mothers after her mother’s passing in 1905.

After many efforts, she organized the first official “Mother’s Day” celebration at Andrews Methodist Church in 1908. Along with Anna Jarvis’s personal celebration, families gathered at various locations around Jarvis’s hometown of Grafton, West Virginia, and other cities.

By 1911, Mother’s Day was celebrated in most states across the United States. And on May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a resolution establishing the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.

Significance of Mother’s Day

For Anna Jarvis, “Mother’s Day” is a day for everyone to return home to their mothers and thank them for all they have done. It is not a day to celebrate all mothers, but a day to thank the best woman you have, your mother. That’s why Jarvis emphasized the singular noun “Mother’s Day” rather than “Mothers’ Day.”

On Mother’s Day, children express their gratitude to their mothers through gifts. (Illustrative Image).

Currently, “Mother’s Day” is spreading worldwide. On this day, children express their gratitude to their mothers through wishes and gifts, whether material or spiritual, reflecting their desire for their mothers to be happy.

Mother’s Day Around the World

Mother’s Day in the USA

Considered one of the major holidays following Christmas and Valentine’s Day, the USA celebrates “Mother’s Day” on the second Sunday in May. On this day, Americans often take their mothers out to dinner to avoid having them cook or be busy on this special day. Additionally, young children often express their love by preparing breakfast in bed for their mothers.

During this holiday, the flower commonly used is the carnation, symbolizing “Mother’s Day.” They typically choose red or pink carnations. Furthermore, they place white carnations on the graves of deceased mothers. Children often sing, perform plays, or give cards and gifts to their mothers.

Red or pink carnations symbolize living mothers, while white carnations are used to commemorate deceased mothers.

Mother’s Day in Australia

Mother’s Day is celebrated similarly to the custom in the USA on the second Sunday in May. Like many other countries around the world, Australians view “Mother’s Day” as an opportunity to express gratitude towards mothers. Children give flowers and cards to show their appreciation for their mothers.

Australians also have a tradition of wearing carnations on “Mother’s Day.” Red or pink carnations symbolize living mothers, while white carnations commemorate deceased mothers. In addition to their biological mothers, people also express respect for grandmothers and women who have cared for them.

Mother’s Day in the UK and Ireland

The UK and Ireland do not celebrate “Mother’s Day” on the same date as the USA. Mother’s Day in Ireland is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This day is also known as “Mothering Sunday” in the UK.

On Mother’s Day, the Irish express their love and respect through flowers and cards to those who gave birth and raised them. Various programs and comedic performances are also held on this day.

Additionally, the British give gifts to thank their mothers for their love and encouragement. Roses, carnations, and daisies are the most popular gifts during this occasion. Furthermore, the British have a tradition of making Simnel cake – a type of almond cake given to mothers.

While Mother’s Day varies in customs and dates across countries, they all share a common meaning of expressing love and respect towards one’s parents.

Mother’s Day in Japan

After World War II, the Japanese gradually recognized Mother’s Day, as previously, Japan completely prohibited influences and activities imported from the West.

On the second Sunday of May each year, the Japanese choose to buy red carnations to give to their mothers. Of course, gifts are also an essential part of the celebration.

Mother’s Day in Thailand

Unlike other countries, Thailand celebrates Mother’s Day on a fixed date of August 12 each year. This date marks the birthday of Queen Sirikit, wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Many temples hold ceremonies to pay tribute to mothers. People often purchase jasmine garlands for their mothers, kneel before them, or hang portraits of Queen Sirikit in their homes to honor her.

Mother’s Day in France

When is Mother’s Day in France? The country designates the last Sunday of May as Mother’s Day (also known as Fête des Mères).

In addition to the colors from various characteristic flowers, flower-shaped cakes are also chosen as gifts for mothers.

Mother’s Day in Mexico

Mothers play an extremely important role in Mexico, so restaurants operate at full capacity as many people take their mothers out to eat. This day occurs on May 10 (or can be celebrated for a longer duration if desired).

They believe that: “Mothers work for us, cooking and cleaning for us, and we believe that at least one day a year, we should take our mothers out and let someone else do the cooking.”