Mother's Day is a widely celebrated holiday honoring motherhood and maternal bonds, as well as the influence of mothers in society. It is observed on different dates worldwide, but it is commonly celebrated on the second Sunday of May in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and numerous others. Mother's Day is a time for expressing gratitude, appreciation, and love for mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and other maternal figures.
Here's all you need to know about Mother's Day:
1. History: The modern Mother's Day holiday originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It was first proposed by Anna Jarvis in 1905, following the death of her own mother. Jarvis campaigned for a day to honor mothers and their sacrifices and achievements. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, making it a national holiday in the United States.
2. Celebration: Mother's Day is celebrated in various ways around the world, including:
- Spending time with family: Many people celebrate Mother's Day by spending quality time with their mothers and maternal figures. This may involve sharing meals, going for outings, or participating in activities that the mother enjoys.
- Giving gifts: It is common to give gifts to mothers on Mother's Day as a token of appreciation. Popular gifts include flowers, chocolates, cards, jewelry, and personalized items.
- Sending cards and messages: Many people express their love and gratitude for their mothers by sending cards, letters, or messages, often with heartfelt sentiments and expressions of appreciation.
- Honoring maternal figures: Mother's Day is not only a time to celebrate biological mothers but also to honor grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, and other maternal figures who have played significant roles in individuals' lives.
3. Cultural Variations: While Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in many countries, the date and customs may vary in other parts of the world. For example:
- In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day, also known as Mothering Sunday, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
- In other countries, such as Russia, Mother's Day is celebrated on March 8th, coinciding with International Women's Day.
4. Symbolism: Mother's Day is symbolized by various flowers, with carnations being one of the most traditional choices. White carnations are often used to honor mothers who have passed away, while colored carnations, particularly pink ones, are given to living mothers. Other popular flowers for Mother's Day include roses, lilies, and tulips.
5. Commercialization: While Mother's Day is a meaningful occasion for many, it has also become highly commercialized, with businesses capitalizing on the holiday through promotions, sales, and marketing campaigns. Critics argue that excessive commercialization can detract from the original intent of the holiday, which is to honor and appreciate mothers.
6. Charitable Acts: Some people choose to celebrate Mother's Day by supporting charitable causes that benefit mothers and children. This may involve making donations to organizations that provide resources, support, and assistance to mothers in need.
Overall, Mother's Day is a special occasion that provides an opportunity to express love, gratitude, and appreciation for the important women in our lives. It serves as a reminder to honor maternal figures and celebrate the invaluable contributions they make to families, communities, and society as a whole.