Mother’s Day, taking place on the second Sunday in May annually, is an ideal time to express heartfelt gratitude, showering all mothers in the world with affection and appreciation for their unwavering support and unwavering strength. If you are curious about some interesting facts regarding the history and significance of the day and gift suggestions for Mother's Day, read on.
1. Overview of Mother's Day: Date & Origin
1.1. History of Mother’s Day
The origin of Mother's Day goes back to those ancient times when folks really held motherhood in high regard, admiring and honoring the maternal figures that shaped their lives. However, the celebration of this event nowadays is all thanks to an American woman named Anna Jarvis, who really put her heart and soul into making it a thing.
In 1858, Ann Reeves Jarvis, mother of Anna Jarvis, organized "Mother's Work Days" in West Virginia. Numerous mothers in the region took part in these community gatherings to improve sanitary conditions and deal with public health issues. During the Civil War, she expanded these events to promote peace and unity among communities torn apart by the conflict.
After she passed away in 1905, her daughter Anna attempted to create an official day to honor mothers and their contributions. She wanted to establish a national holiday to recognize the sacrifices mothers made for their families and foster a sense of unity and gratitude towards them. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
1.2. When is Mother’s Day?
Mother's Day is observed on several dates throughout the world at various times of the year. Some of them form lines in accordance with the United Nations' official Mother's Day date of the second Sunday in May. Others have their own traditions and holidays, which are also referred to as Mother's Day.
Date | Country |
Second Sunday of February | Norway |
8th March | Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Serbia |
Fourth Sunday of Lent | Guernsey, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Nigeria, United Kingdom |
21st March | Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen |
10th May | Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala |
Second Sunday of May | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Samoa, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United States of America, Uruguay, Vietnam, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
26th May | Poland |
30th May | Nicaragua |
Last Sunday of May | Algeria, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, France, Haiti, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, Sweden, Tunisia |
12th August | Thailand |
15th October | Malawi |
2. How is Mother's Day celebrated around the world?
- In the USA: Families come together to honor their mothers with gestures of love and gratitude. It is common to give cards, flowers (especially carnations), and gifts to express appreciation. Many people take their mothers out for a special meal or cook a meal at home. Additionally, schools often organize activities where children create handmade gifts for their moms.
- In the UK: On Mother’s Day, people offer flowers, cards, and gifts to their moms as a symbol of love and appreciation. Traditional gifts include Simnel cake and daffodils.
- In Mexico: Families commemorate Mother’s Day with music, dance, and special meals. Children often serenade their mothers with songs, and schools hold performances to honor mothers. It is also common to give flowers, particularly roses, and to spend quality time with mothers and grandmothers.
- In France: Sons and daughters often give their mothers flowers, beauty and care products, cosmetics, and jewelry on that day. It is customary for families to gather for a meal, and many restaurants offer special Mother's Day menus.
- In Spain: Families typically gather for a meal to honor mothers, and children may prepare a craft or a drawing. Additionally, many people attend church services as part of the Mother’s Day celebration.
- In Thailand: Schools in Thailand often host special Mother’s Day ceremonies for students and their mothers.
- In Vietnam: On Mother’s Day in Vietnam, people express love and appreciation to their mothers and other important women in their lives. It is common to give flowers, gifts, and cards, and families may enjoy dinner together to celebrate the occasion.
3. Best gift ideas for Mother's Day
3.1. Bouquets
A bouquet of flowers can be considered the most popular and meaningful gift for your mom and grandma on Mother’s Day. Flowers represent the beauty and attraction of a woman, but they also symbolize so much more. Each bloom carries its own significance, conveying heartfelt emotions that words sometimes fail to express. The vibrant colors of a Mother's Day bouquet can reflect the joy and happiness your mother brings into your life. Here are 11 types of flowers that you should consider giving your mother on Mother’s Day:
- Carnations: Stand for mothers, good fortune, and purity.
- Peonies: Come in a variety of colors and look stunning in bloom.
- Roses: A representation of love, adoration, and thanks.
- Lilies: Exotic and distinctive, lilies have long petals and high stamens.
- Daisies: Represent innocence and sweetness, making them ideal for amiable and jovial mothers.
- Gardenias: Ideal for spouses to offer to the mother of their children or to wish a mother-in-law well, they represent love and protection.
- Orchids: Elegant and feminine symbols that are simple to maintain.
- Hydrangeas: Popular for Mother's Day floral arrangements because they represent a mother's unwavering devotion.
- Tulips: Pink tulips stand for tenderness, love, and admiration, while white tulips stand for holiness and purity.
3.2. Mother’s Day party
Planning a heartwarming and memorable Mother's Day party can be a delightful way to celebrate this special occasion. The joy of bringing together family and friends to honor and appreciate the incredible mothers and mother figures in our lives is truly unparalleled. From selecting the perfect venue adorned with beautiful decorations that exude love and warmth to curating a thoughtful menu filled with the honoree's favorite dishes, every detail adds to the charm of the event.
Here are some wonderful Mother’s Day Party ideas for you:
- Host a brunch: Allow mom to sleep in on her special day by hosting brunch rather than breakfast. All you need are sample seats and a fantastic breakfast menu featuring her favorite breakfast foods.
- Have a tea party: Planning will be a breeze if you can locate a local tea establishment that hosts parties. You can also do it yourself if you have enough teapots, cups, saucers, tables, and seats.
- Host a craft party: If your mother enjoys crafting, consider having a celebration at a workshop. Make-and-take classes combine a fun party with a present.
To make your Mother’s Day party more memorable, you should choose some songs and movies for this party. Here are some suggestions for you:
- The Mother - Brandi Carlie (Song)
- My Mother & I - Lucy Dacus (Song)
- Two of Us - Louis Tomlinson (Song)
- The Mother - Jennifer Lopez (Movie)
- Moxie - Amy Poehler (Movie)
- Stepmom - Chris Columbus (Movie)
3.3. Brunch & Dinner made by children
On this special Mother's Day, children can show their love and appreciation by preparing delightful brunch and dinner treats. In the morning, you can prepare a heartwarming breakfast in bed, featuring fluffy pancakes or waffles topped with mom's favorite toppings. For a healthy and colorful brunch, create DIY fruit parfaits with layers of yogurt and an assortment of fresh fruits. Lunchtime can be extra special with heart-shaped sandwiches made with love. In the evening, children can organize a fun and interactive homemade pizza party, allowing everyone to customize their own mini-pizzas.
3.4. Happy Mother's Day cards
The heartfelt messages and quotes will surely touch your mom's heart and convey the depth of your love and appreciation for her on Mother's Day. Here are some inspiring Mother's Day messages and Mother's Day quotes that you can write on greeting cards to express your love and gratitude:
- "To the most amazing mom in the world, thank you for your unwavering love and support. You are my rock, and I'm forever grateful for everything you do. Happy Mother's Day!"
- "You are the heart and soul of our family, and your love shines brighter than the stars. Wishing you a Mother's Day filled with joy and warmth."
- "On this special day, I want to say thank you for being my guiding light and for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. You are the best mom anyone could wish for."
- "A mother's love is more beautiful than any fresh flower." - Debasish Mridha
- "A mother's love is like an everlasting bed of roses that continues to blossom. A mother's love bears strength, comfort, healing, and warmth. Her beauty is compared to a sunny day that shines upon each rose petal and inspires hope." - Ellen J. Barrier
- "A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's." - Princess Diana
3.5. Spa day for mother and daughters
If your mother enjoys being pampered, treat her to a manicure or pedicure. You can make an appointment in a reputable salon where she can indulge in a luxurious spa-like experience, complete with a soothing massage and beautifully painted nails.
Alternatively, you can create a spa ambiance right in the comfort of your home. Renting your own manicure and pedicure equipment can be a fun and personalized way to pamper her, allowing you to spend quality time together while making her feel like royalty. This Mother's Day party idea is undoubtedly one of the most low-key and easy options on this list, yet its impact will be truly memorable, making her feel cherished and loved beyond measure.
3.6. Jewelry
Jewelry is a great choice if you want to give a Mother's Day gift that exudes tenderness and demonstrates how much you value the recipient. The tradition of gifting Mother's Day jewelry dates back centuries, and it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many. High-end jewelry, in particular, has always been a popular choice for gifts, as it symbolizes the depth of your love and appreciation for your mother. Every time she adorns that beautiful necklace, elegant bracelet, or sparkling pair of earrings, she will be reminded of the cherished bond you share.
3.7. Mother-daughter trips
Planning a travel journey with your mom is also a great idea to celebrate this special occasion. Here are seven fantastic suggestions that promise unforgettable experiences and cherished memories together:
- Koh Samui, Thailand is famous for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. Coming here, you and your mom can enjoy relaxing spa days, explore the beautiful Angthong Marine Park, and savor delicious Thai cuisine together.
- Puerto Rico, Caribbean is a wonderful destination for your upcoming trip on Mother’s Day if your mom is a nature and culture enthusiast. You and your beloved woman can explore the historic Old San Juan and hike in El Yunque Rainforest.
- Medellin, Colombia is widely regarded as the “City of Eternal Spring”. This place offers you the chance to explore botanical gardens, take a cable car ride for stunning views, and immerse yourselves in the warmth of Colombian hospitality.
- Bozeman, Montana should be the location for your upcoming trip if your mom is interested in nature and outdoor activities. Tourists can admire the breathtaking beauty of Yellowstone National Park and enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife encounters.
- Paris, France is a classic choice for a mother-daughter trip thanks to its romance and elegance. Strolling along the Seine, visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, and indulging in delectable French pastries are some fascinating activities you can do with your mom.
- Japan is another option for your holiday if you want to witness cherry blossoms in full bloom, explore ancient temples, and savor authentic Japanese cuisine.
- Vietnam is a splendid nation that you should consider exploring with your mother. It is highly recommended that you visit Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi during your Vietnam travel journey.
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This article has provided you with interesting facts about the history and significance of Mother’s Day and also suggested some unique Mother's Day gifts to make this special occasion more memorable. Hopefully, you will have a wonderful and unforgettable holiday with your loved one, especially the special women in your life.