Mother’s Day is a special holiday celebrated in many countries around the world, including the United States. This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 11, and it is a time to honor and appreciate the incredible mothers in our lives. As we prepare to celebrate this special day, here are some interesting facts about Mother’s Day that you may not know.
1. The origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman times, where festivals were held to honor the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. However, the modern version of Mother’s Day as we know it today can be attributed to Anna Jarvis, who organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration in 1908 in West Virginia.
2. The first Mother’s Day was celebrated with a church service and a small gathering where Anna Jarvis handed out white carnations, her mother’s favorite flower. White carnations are still considered the official flower of Mother’s Day, symbolizing love, purity, and admiration for mothers.
3. The idea of a national holiday to honor mothers gained popularity quickly, and by 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. This day has been celebrated every year since then, making it over a century of honoring mothers in the United States.
4. Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, with a significant increase in reservations and sales. It is estimated that over 87 million adults in the U.S. dine out on Mother’s Day, making it one of the top three busiest days for restaurants, along with Valentine’s Day and Father’s Day.
5. Mother’s Day is also a big day for greeting card companies, with over 133 million Mother’s Day cards exchanged every year in the United States alone. This makes Mother’s Day the third-largest card-sending holiday, after Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
6. The most popular gifts for Mother’s Day include flowers, jewelry, and gift cards. However, a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation found that the most desired gift by mothers is a simple phone call or quality time spent with their children.
7. Mother’s Day is not just about celebrating our own mothers, but also honoring all mother figures in our lives. This includes grandmothers, stepmothers, aunts, and other maternal figures who have had a significant impact on our lives.
8. In the United States, there is also a tradition of wearing a carnation on Mother’s Day to symbolize the love and appreciation for mothers. A red carnation is worn to honor a living mother, while a white carnation is worn to honor a mother who has passed away.
9. While Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates in other countries, the sentiment remains the same – to honor and appreciate the love and sacrifices of mothers. In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, while in Mexico, it is celebrated on May 10.
10. Mother’s Day is not just a commercial holiday, but it is also a time to give back and show gratitude to the mothers in our lives. Many charities and organizations use this day to raise awareness and funds for maternal health and other causes related to motherhood.
As we approach Mother’s Day, let us take the time to reflect on the incredible role that mothers play in our lives. They are our first teachers, our biggest supporters, and our constant source of love and guidance. So, whether it’s with a phone call, a bouquet of flowers, or a simple gesture of love, let us make this Mother’s Day a special one for all the amazing mothers out there. Happy Mother’s Day!
