Honoring Mother Figures: Mother’s Day in the United States

Mother’s Day in the United States is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May. This day is dedicated to honoring mothers and mother figures, including grandmothers, great-grandmothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers. It is a day when many people express their love and gratitude for their mothers by giving gifts, cards, flowers, candy, a meal in a restaurant, or other treats.

 

Why Is Mother’s Day Celebrated?

While Mother’s Day in the United States, Australia, and Canada is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, other countries observe it on different dates. For example, the United Kingdom celebrates Mother’s Day three weeks before Easter Sunday as “Mothering Sunday.” Costa Rica uses August 15, Georgia celebrates on March 3, Samoa uses the second Monday of May.

Mother’s Day Around the World

Mother’s Day is celebrated in various ways across the globe. Different countries have their own traditions and customs to honor mothers and motherhood. In the United States, Mother’s Day has evolved into a day dedicated to acknowledging the roles of mothers and mother figures in general. It has also become an increasingly important event for businesses, particularly restaurants and companies that manufacture and sell cards and gift items.

 

History and Origins of Mother’s Day

The origins of Mother’s Day in the United States are attributed to different people. Many believe that two women, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis, were instrumental in establishing the tradition of Mother’s Day. Others say that Juliet Calhoun Blakely initiated Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the late 1800s, and her sons paid tribute to her each year, urging others to honor their mothers.

Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Traditionally, Mother’s Day is about honoring mothers by giving flowers, taking them out for brunch, or writing something sweet on a Mother’s Day card. Popular gift ideas include Mother’s Day flower bouquets with gift cards or greeting cards, vouchers for a “special day” for Mom or Mother-in-law, chocolate, candy, clothing, jewelry.

 

Florist’s Tip: Pink and White Carnations

The traditional “Mother’s Day flower” is the white carnation (dianthus caryophyllus), chosen by Anna Jarvis as its official flower because it had been her mother’s favorite. However, today, white carnations symbolize death and a mother who has passed away. It is better to choose red or pink carnations to honor a living mother, or mix your bouquet.

 

Is Mother’s Day a Public Holiday?

Mother’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Organizations, businesses, and stores are open or closed as they are on any other Sunday in the year. Public transit systems runs to their normal Sunday schedules, and restaurants may be busier than usual as some people take their mothers out for a treat.

 

In the End

Mother’s Day in the United States is a special occasion dedicated to honoring mothers and mother figures. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May and is a day when people express their love and appreciation for their mothers through various gifts and gestures. Despite being a commercial holiday, Mother’s Day holds deep sentimental value for many people as they take the time to show gratitude to the women who have played important roles in their lives