Mother's Day

What is Mother's Day?

Mother's Day is a yearly occasion dedicated to celebrating mothers and the role of motherhood. Traditions differ, but the day often includes giving flowers—especially carnations or chrysanthemums—cards, and small gifts. Many families gather for meals or special outings. In some places, the day is marked by church services or prayers, and in others, by visiting mothers or remembering those who have passed.

Where does Mother's Day come from?

The modern Mother's Day began in the United States in the early 20th century, led by Anna Jarvis, who held the first celebration in Grafton, West Virginia, in 1908. She wanted to honor her own mother and the broader role of mothers in society. The idea spread quickly, and by 1914, it became a national holiday in the US. Other countries have older traditions, such as Mothering Sunday in the UK and Mata Tirtha Aunshi in Nepal, which were later associated with the modern holiday.

How Mother's Day is made

Mother's Day is observed on different dates worldwide, most often in March or May. People typically mark the day by presenting mothers with flowers—carnations in the US, chrysanthemums in Australia—or cards and gifts. Some attend religious services, while others celebrate at home or in restaurants. The day may also include special prayers or family gatherings.

When and where Mother's Day is used

The day is used to express gratitude and affection for mothers. In many countries, it is customary to give flowers, cards, or small presents. Some families visit the graves of mothers who have passed. In religious communities, special services or prayers are held. The day is also a time for family reunions and honoring the influence of mothers in society.

Forms of Mother's Day

Mother's Day is celebrated on different dates and with varying customs. In the US and many other countries, it falls on the second Sunday in May. The UK observes Mothering Sunday in March, while Nepal celebrates Mata Tirtha Aunshi in April or May. In Australia, white chrysanthemums are the traditional flower, while carnations are common elsewhere. Some countries combine Mother's Day with International Women's Day.

What Mother's Day means

Mother's Day is a symbol of respect, gratitude, and love for mothers. It has religious ties in Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, each with its own customs. The day is sometimes criticized for commercialization, especially in the US, where the founder Anna Jarvis opposed the sale of cards and gifts. Despite this, it remains a widely observed occasion for honoring mothers.

The flowers of Mother's Day

ChrysanthemumAutumn-blooming flower with thousands of varieties, cherished in East Asia and beyondDianthusA group of frilled, often pink, flowers grown in gardens and bouquets worldwideCarnationA fragrant flower with ruffled petals, grown worldwide for decoration and meaningChrysanthemum japonenseA white-flowered perennial daisy native to coastal Shikoku, JapanIndian chrysanthemumA yellow or white-flowered chrysanthemum native to China

Traditions that use it

Days and festivals

Questions people ask about Mother's Day

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• BBC - ReligionsBBC, Article

• Mother's Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data