Mother’s Day is a heartfelt celebration honoring the incredible women who’ve shaped our lives. Every year, billions of people take a moment to express love, gratitude, and appreciation for mothers around the world. But while this holiday feels familiar, there are plenty of fascinating and surprising tidbits about its history and traditions that you probably haven’t heard before.
Mother’s Day Was Inspired By The Struggles Of One Woman
The modern version of Mother’s Day originated in the U.S., thanks primarily to Anna Jarvis. After her mother passed away in 1905, Anna lobbied tirelessly to establish a holiday celebrating mothers. Her efforts paid off in 1914, when Mother’s Day was officially declared a national holiday, celebrated on the second Sunday of May every year.
It All Started With A Simple White Carnation
Anna Jarvis chose the white carnation as a symbol of Mother’s Day because it was her mother’s favorite flower. It’s said that the pure white petals represent the purity of a mother’s love. Today, flowers (of all kinds) remain one of the most popular gifts on Mother’s Day.
The UK Celebrates “Mothering Sunday”
Before the U.S. adopted Mother’s Day, the United Kingdom observed Mothering Sunday, a religious tradition that began in the 16th century. Held on the fourth Sunday of Lent, it was a day for Christians to return to their “mother church.” Over time, it evolved into a day to honor mothers with small gifts and flowers.
Mexico Throws A Huge Fiesta
Mother’s Day, or El Día de las Madres, is observed on May 10th in Mexico. Families gather to serenade mothers with songs like “Las Mañanitas” and host elaborate lunches complete with flowers, music, and festive dishes.
It’s One Of The Most Popular Holidays In Ethiopia
Ethiopians celebrate Mother’s Day during the three-day Antrosht Festival, dedicated to mothers. Family members come together to prepare traditional meals, sing, and dance in honor of the women who play such central roles in their lives.
It’s One Of The Busiest Days For Restaurants
If you’ve tried booking brunch reservations for Mother’s Day, you probably know how busy it gets. Mother’s Day is consistently ranked as the busiest restaurant day of the year in the United States, even beating out Valentine’s Day.
The World’s Longest Mother’s Day Card Had Over 4 Million Signatures
Every year, people get creative with how they show their appreciation for mothers. One remarkable example is the Guinness World Record for the largest Mother’s Day card, which was signed by 4.3 million people across 124 countries.
Not All Mothers Are Human
Mother’s Day love extends beyond human moms! Pet owners often take the opportunity to celebrate the “moms” of furbabies. Additionally, wildlife conservationists use the holiday to honor animal mothers and raise awareness about species with nurturing maternal habits, like elephants and orangutans.
