When Is Mother’s Day? History, Traditions, and How the Date is Chosen
Trace the holiday’s journey from ancient spring rites to today’s heartfelt celebrations.
When Is Mother’s Day? Understanding the Holiday’s Date and Meaning
Mother’s Day is one of the most cherished holidays, dedicated to honoring mothers and maternal figures for their lasting influence, love, and sacrifice. While many recognize the occasion with cards, gifts, and family gatherings, few know the reasons behind its date, its rich historical origins, or the evolution of its customs. This article explores when Mother’s Day is celebrated, how its date is determined, and the fascinating traditions that make it special.
The Date of Mother’s Day: Why Does It Change Every Year?
Mother’s Day in the United States is observed annually on the second Sunday in May. This means the date shifts each year, falling anywhere between May 8 and May 14. In 2025, for example, Mother’s Day will fall on Sunday, May 11. The choice of this date traces back to the holiday’s American origins, particularly its founder, Anna Jarvis, and the day she sought to commemorate her mother. Most countries influenced by the U.S. model also celebrate on this date, but many others observe motherhood on entirely different days, often rooted in separate cultural or religious traditions.
- 2025: Sunday, May 11
- 2026: Sunday, May 10
- 2027: Sunday, May 9
The date for Mother’s Day in the United States and many other countries is set by tradition rather than federal statute, leading to variations based on local history or religious calendars.
How Is the Date Determined Around the World?
Not all countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the same day as the United States. Here’s a snapshot of dates in different regions:
| Country | Date Celebrated |
|---|---|
| United States, Canada, Australia | Second Sunday in May |
| United Kingdom, Ireland | Fourth Sunday in Lent (Mothering Sunday) |
| France | Last Sunday in May (or first in June if Pentecost interferes) |
| Mexico | May 10 |
| Egypt & many Arab nations | March 21 (Spring Equinox) |
| Thailand | August 12 (Queen’s birthday) |
This diversity reflects the spread of the holiday across cultures and its deep historical roots.
A Brief History: The Origins and Evolution of Mother’s Day
Ancient and Pre-Modern Traditions Honoring Mothers
The concept of honoring mothers extends back thousands of years, predating the modern holiday. In ancient Greece, families celebrated Rhea, the mother of gods. Ancient Romans honored Cybele, a mother-goddess, during spring festivities, while Egyptians revered Isis as the powerful mother-figure of their pantheon.
Through the centuries, these early spring festivals of fertility and maternal appreciation influenced later European customs. In medieval England, “Mothering Sunday” emerged as a day for families to reunite and attend services at their ‘mother church’. This day, falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent, became an opportunity to offer gifts and spend time with mothers. Even as religious influences evolved, the tradition of pausing daily life to honor mothers became embedded in Western culture.
The Roots of Mothering Sunday in England and Europe
Mothering Sunday began primarily as a Christian holiday in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. During the 16th and 17th centuries, domestic servants and apprentices were given a day off to visit their families. Many would bring homemade cakes and small tokens of appreciation. Over time, this religious festival took on a more secular tone, merging with the American Mother’s Day tradition in the 20th century to form the modern celebration in those countries.
- Mothering cakes: Special cakes known as “carlings” (pea pancakes) were commonly baked.
- Church gatherings: Families attended their home parish for special prayers.
- Flowers: Gifting flowers, particularly wildflowers, became customary.
The Founders of Modern Mother’s Day in America
Modern Mother’s Day as celebrated in the U.S. was shaped by reformers and activists in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The movement’s history centers around three notable women:
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- Ann Reeves Jarvis: An active community organizer from West Virginia, Ann Jarvis created mothers’ work clubs during the 1850s to provide care, education, and improved conditions for families. After the Civil War, she organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day” events to promote healing between former Union and Confederate families.
- Julia Ward Howe: A celebrated poet and social reformer best known for writing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” Howe was also a peace advocate. In 1870, in response to the devastation of war, she called for a “Mother’s Day for Peace,” urging mothers to unite against conflict.
- Anna M. Jarvis: Inspired by her mother’s dedication, Anna Jarvis campaigned tirelessly after Ann’s death in 1905 to create a permanent day for mothers. Her efforts led to the first widespread observance in 1908. By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson had signed a proclamation establishing Mother’s Day as a national U.S. holiday.
Initial traditions championed by Anna Jarvis included wearing a white carnation (her mother’s favorite flower), attending church, and writing heartfelt letters. Over time, these customs grew to incorporate gifting red or pink carnations for living mothers and white for those who had passed away.
The American Proclamation and the Growth of the Holiday
On May 12, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day a national holiday in the United States, to be observed on the second Sunday in May. The official observance coincided with the date Anna Jarvis’s mother passed away, embedding a personal legacy in the occasion. Almost immediately, states across the country adopted the celebration, and within a decade, it was widely recognized in mainstream society.
The Changing Meaning and Traditions of Mother’s Day
While the holiday began with private devotion and family-focused gatherings, today Mother’s Day is a significant occasion marked by both commercial and sentimental rituals. However, this commercialization was a source of deep regret for Anna Jarvis herself, who felt the holiday’s original intent—sincere, personal appreciation—was being obscured by excessive marketing and consumerism.
- Personal Touches: Anna Jarvis asked people to write letters instead of simply buying cards, believing in heartfelt, individualized gesture.
- The Carnation Symbol: White for a mother who has died, red or pink for a living mother.
Despite the commercial aspects—often involving increased sales of flowers, cards, and gifts—the holiday remains a time families pause to express gratitude to mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and others in maternal roles.
How Mother’s Day Is Celebrated Today
The customs associated with Mother’s Day vary by country, culture, and family traditions. Common themes include the giving of flowers (especially carnations), special meals, homemade gifts, and, increasingly, quality time together—a rare commodity in modern life. Each family may have its own rituals, from breakfast in bed to handwritten cards or community events.
Popular Modern Traditions
- Gifting cards and handwritten notes
- Presenting bouquets of flowers, often carnations, roses, lilies, or spring blossoms
- Preparing breakfast in bed or hosting brunches
- Spending a day together—outdoor activities, family walks, or special outings
- Calling or video-chatting with mothers who live far apart
Mother’s Day Around the World
- Mexico: May 10th is observed with music, festive meals, and large family gatherings.
- France: Celebrated in late May or early June with flowers and special bread-shaped cakes.
- United Kingdom & Ireland: Celebrated as Mothering Sunday, gift-giving and church services are traditional.
- Arab Countries: Many recognize the day on the Spring Equinox, March 21, with feasts and presents.
- Thailand: Honored on August 12, coinciding with the Queen’s birthday, with parades and jasmine garlands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does the date of Mother’s Day change every year in the U.S.?
Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday in May, so its date shifts annually depending on the calendar. This tradition was set by Anna Jarvis and continues today.
Who is considered the founder of Mother’s Day?
Anna M. Jarvis is widely credited as the founder of the modern Mother’s Day holiday in the United States. Her campaign began in 1905 to honor her mother’s legacy, Ann Reeves Jarvis.
What is the significance of carnations on Mother’s Day?
Carnations were Anna Jarvis’s mother’s favorite flower and became the symbol for the day. Red or pink are worn or given to mothers who are living, while white is for those who have passed.
Is Mother’s Day a public holiday?
In the United States, Mother’s Day is a widely observed occasion but is not a federal public holiday—workplaces and schools typically remain open, though many people take time off or make special plans.
How can I honor the spirit of Mother’s Day beyond gifts?
Many experts and historians suggest focusing on personal gestures—writing heartfelt letters, offering quality time, or volunteering together—recapturing the day’s original intent of sincere appreciation.
Mother’s Day at a Glance: Key Facts
- Date in the U.S.: Second Sunday in May
- Symbolic Flower: Carnation (white for those deceased, red or pink for living mothers)
- First widespread celebration: May 10, 1908, Grafton, West Virginia
- Official U.S. holiday status: Proclaimed in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson
Conclusion: The Enduring Meaning of Mother’s Day
While Mother’s Day has evolved over millennia—from ancient goddess festivals to today’s blend of heartfelt and commercial traditions—its core message remains unchanged: to thank, recognize, and honor mothers and the people who nurture us. Whether celebrated with quiet reflection, lively festivities, or simple togetherness, it is a time to express gratitude for the unique, irreplaceable role mothers play in our lives.
References
- https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/business/exploring-the-origins-of-mothers-day-tradition-marketing-and-cultural-influence
- https://bouqs.com/blog/history-of-mothers-day/
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mothers-Day
- https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/history-mothers-day-global-peace-greeting-cards
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother’s_Day
- https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/resources/commemorations/history-of-mothers-day/
- https://www.arenaflowers.com/blogs/news/the-history-of-mother-s-day/
- https://www.kremp.com/pages/history-of-mothers-day-celebrations-around-world
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