Mother's Day
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Where is Mother’s Day celebrated?
Though not a public holiday, Mother’s Day in the US is a national legal holiday. Mother's Day is celebrated in over 50 countries across the world, some on the same day as in the US, while others follow different days according to their traditions.
Who is Mother’s Day celebrated by?
We all love our mothers, and this day is celebrated by one and all as a token of love and reverence to mothers.
When did Mother’s Day first start?
The day was first observed in 1907 on the second death anniversary of Ann Jarvis' mother. She observed the anniversary and Mother’s Day in Philadelphia the following year.
By 1911, the day had garnered enough momentum to be called National Mother’s Day. From then on, Mother’s Day was observed each year. The first Mother’s Day officially started in 1914 when legislation was passed in the US.
Who started Mother’s Day?
Then-President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday of May as National Mothers’ Day every year.
History And Timeline
Mother’s Day celebrations date back to ancient times of the Greeks and Romans when they honored goddesses like Rhea and Cybele. However, the most recent precursor to Mother’s Day is the Christian festival of 'Mothering Sunday,' which falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
On this day, special services were rendered by the followers at their 'mother church.' Many people believe that Mothering Sunday has merged with American traditions, culminating in Mother's Day.
Some would argue that the day has something to do with the Blakely brothers. Mrs. Juliet Calhon Blakely had her birthday on May 11, 1877.
Her son, who the pastor of her church deputed, abruptly left the pulpit that day. Soon, Juliet entered the pulpit to continue with the church services and sermon. She also urged other mothers in the church to join her.
Starts with Mother’s Friendship Day
In 1868, Anna Jarvis forged celebrating Mothers’ Friendship Day during the Civil War to strengthen the bonds.
1868A Day To Honor
In 1908, Ann Jarvis, in Grafton, West Virginia, introduced observing a day in the world to honor the fond remembrance of her mother.
1908An Official Day
In 1914, then-President Woodrow Wilson declared that the second Sunday of May every year would be celebrated as National Mother’s Day. The legislation was passed to declare it a national holiday.
1914A Day To Shower Love!
Statistics show that, on average, over $23 billion is spent on dinners and gifts on this day every year.
2018Greetings All Along
The Greeting Card Association of the US has an estimated number of over 150 million cards exchanged during this day of the year. The highest number of cards are sold for this holiday, following Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
2018Traditions And Customs
There are several traditions related to Mother’s Day. People show their love by getting gifts and cards for their own mothers and mother figures.
Celebrating Mother's Day by spending on gifts and dinners has given the day as much significance as any other holy day. From movies and special dinners to talk shows and events, the traditions followed on this day are special and diverse.
On Mother's Day, there are numerous ways to express gratitude to mothers and mother figures. Gifting a white carnation, which Anna Jarvis requested as the official symbol for the day, is among them, as is the International Mother's Day Shrine.
This shrine honors the preservation of motherhood. The structure is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. It is located in Grafton, West Virginia, alongside a museum, and its mission is to preserve, promote, and develop the spirit of motherhood.
Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day
Here are some ideas to make your Mother’s Day celebrations grand!
One might call it commercialization, but you can present gifts and cards to your mother and give her a pleasant surprise. That will bring a smile to her face.
How about managing the household for a day? She would be relieved, at least for a day, if you could take charge of the household chores.
Plan a surprise party for your mother by calling her school friends. That’s worth it and will be the most memorable Mother’s Day ever. If you are in different countries, you may watch the same movie together while enjoying food from the same restaurant chain.
Facts And Stats
- Some argue that the day has lost its charm and that it’s being commercialized. The traditions have been limited to just sharing gifts and cards. The National Restaurant Association claims that that day has the highest number of dining opportunities of the year.
- Anna Jarvis, a schoolteacher from Philadelphia, worked to give the holiday national recognition. In honor of her mother, she started a campaign in 1907 demanding a national Mother’s Day. A key figure in introducing 'Mother’s Friendship Day' in the post-Civil War period, Ann Jarvis then demanded a day to pay gratitude to all mothers.
- The busiest phone day of the year is on Mother’s Day so it's not just cards and dining!
Why are there two Mother's Days?
Most countries, including the US, celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. The dates vary according to the year's seasons rather than religious observances.
Is Mother's Day always on May 10?
No. Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May every year and can be different.
What day is Mother's Day?
In 2022, Mother’s Day will be a Sunday on May 8.
When is Mother's Day in America?
Mother’s Day in America is on the second Sunday of May every year.
What are the limitations to celebrating Mother's Day?
The limitation to celebrating Mother’s Day is that the celebrations have been limited to social media, and the COVID pandemic has worsened. Travel restrictions prevent some children from meeting their mothers on the day.
What are some assumptions we need to make while celebrating Mother's Day?
One is fortunate to have a mother, and even more fortunate to have an understanding and generous mother. It is truly 'heaven on Earth' to experience a mother's empathy and love.
No other relationship on the planet is as passionate, deep, sincere, and genuine as that between a mother and her child. It is founded on the purest and most selfless form of love. Without great mothers, a country will never be great for future generations.
How do families celebrate Mother's Day?
By enjoying the day together such as backpacking for a picnic.
What are some advantages to celebrating Mother's Day?
The advantages of celebrating Mother’s Day are that it helps strengthen the bonds between mothers and children and acknowledges their efforts and sacrifices as mothers.
When Is This Day Celebrated
- Sunday, May 10, 2020
- Sunday, May 09, 2021
- Sunday, May 08, 2022
- Sunday, May 14, 2023
- Sunday, May 12, 2024
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