The History of Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it is important to understand the history of the holiday.

Mother’s Day is a holiday celebrated in 40+ countries around the world to honor and appreciate mothers and mother figures. The history of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient times, but the modern holiday has its origins in the United States.

The modern celebration of Mother’s Day in the United States began in the early 20th century. Anna Jarvis, a woman from West Virginia, campaigned for a national holiday to honor mothers after her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, passed away in 1905. Ann Reeves Jarvis had been a peace activist who had organized Mother’s Day Work Clubs during the Civil War to promote health and sanitation. After her death, Anna Jarvis wanted to create a day to honor her mother and all mothers.

Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration in 1908 in West Virginia. She successfully campaigned for the holiday to be recognized nationally, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

The holiday quickly became popular in the United States, and over time, it spread to other countries around the world. Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in many different ways, with traditions varying from country to country. Different countries may have different dates and customs for celebrating Mother’s Day. Here are some examples:

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It is a day for children to express their love and gratitude for their mothers by giving them gifts, cards, or flowers.

In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is also celebrated on the second Sunday in May, but it is called “Mothering Sunday.” It has its roots in the Christian tradition and was originally a day for people to return to their home church, or “mother church,” and spend time with their families.

In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th. It is a very important holiday and is often celebrated with parades, music, and special meals for mothers.

In Japan, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, but it is not as widely observed as it is in Western countries. Instead, there is a separate holiday called “Respect for the Aged Day” in September, which is a day for honoring and appreciating elderly people, including mothers.

In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated at the end of the rainy season in the fall. It is called “Antrosht” and is a time for families to come together and celebrate with traditional foods and dancing.

In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12th, which is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the “mother” of the country. It is a day for showing appreciation for mothers and for promoting the importance of family.

These are just a few examples of how Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world. Each country may have its own unique traditions and customs, but the sentiment of honoring and appreciating mothers is universal.