Mother's Day — honouring mothers and motherhood
Mother's Day is a celebration of mothers, motherhood, and the influence of mothers in society. In the United States and many other countries it falls on the second Sunday of May, so the date moves slightly each year. Other countries have their own dates — the UK on Mothering Sunday (3 weeks before Easter), Russia on the last Sunday of November, Mexico always on May 10.
A short history
The modern US Mother's Day was founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, who campaigned to honour her own mother's work in community health. By 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law as a national holiday on the second Sunday of May. The idea spread quickly worldwide.
How people celebrate
- Cards and flowers: Carnations are the traditional Mother's Day flower in the US — white for mothers who have passed, coloured for those still living.
- Brunch: Restaurants typically run a Mother's Day brunch menu — it's one of the busiest dining days of the year.
- Breakfast in bed: The classic children's gift, often organised by the father.
- Phone call or visit: For many, simply spending time with mom is the most valued gift.
Gift ideas that don't break the bank
- Handwritten letter with specific memories — kept for decades.
- Photo book from this year's family snaps — easy to order online.
- Plants over cut flowers — they last longer and many mothers prefer them.
- Cook a meal using one of her recipes — and then do the dishes.
Fact
Mother's Day is the busiest day of the year for phone calls in the US — telecom traffic on the second Sunday of May spikes by 37% compared with an average Sunday.
Mother's Day FAQ
When is Mother's Day?
In the United States, Canada, Australia and most of the world, Mother's Day is the second Sunday of May. The UK observes Mothering Sunday three weeks before Easter, and several other countries have unique local dates.
Is Mother's Day a public holiday?
No, in most countries it falls on a Sunday and is not an additional day off. Thailand and several Arab countries observe it on weekdays as a public holiday.
What's the traditional flower for Mother's Day?
Carnations. Anna Jarvis, the founder of the US holiday, chose her mother's favourite flower. Red and pink for mothers still with us, white in remembrance.
What about Father's Day?
Father's Day in the US is the third Sunday of June. It started in 1910 and was made permanent in 1972.
How do other countries mark Mother's Day?
Spain and Portugal: first Sunday of May. UK: Mothering Sunday in March. Russia: last Sunday of November. Mexico: always May 10. Ethiopia has a multi-day festival called Antrosht.
