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International Mother’s Day is a special occasion celebrated globally to honor mothers’ unconditional love and sacrifices. Understanding the significance and history of this meaningful holiday can help us appreciate the vital role mothers play in our lives. This blog post will delve into the history, significance, and diverse ways International Mother’s Day is celebrated globally.
International Mother’s Day is an annual event observed on the second Sunday of May in many countries worldwide. It is a day dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the contributions of mothers, grandmothers, and other maternal figures who have nurtured and supported us.
The origins of International Mother’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the efforts of Anna Jarvis, an American activist who campaigned tirelessly to establish the holiday. Since then, International Mother’s Day has become a global phenomenon, with countries adopting unique traditions and customs to honor mothers.
The purpose of celebrating International Mother’s Day is to acknowledge the selfless love of mothers. As it is generally believed, mothers often do not receive enough credit for their love and sacrifices. Their constant contribution to their families regarding love and care makes them deserving of appreciation and recognition.
Therefore, International Mother’s Day is a special and friendly way to commemorate motherhood’s essence and appreciate every motherly figure in our lives. Today, people express their gratitude for their mothers in various ways.
Considering the challenging role of a mother, from raising a child to instilling good values in them, Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the never-ending love of mothers towards their children. This occasion celebrates the sacred bond that mothers share with their children.
Now, let’s find out when Mother’s Day is. International Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May, and the date changes yearly.
For example, Mother’s Day 2025 will be celebrated on May 11th.
In 1908, Anna Jarvis held a memorial service to honor her own mother, who had passed away. She then began a campaign to establish a national day to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of mothers.
After years of lobbying, Jarvis’s efforts paid off, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day in the United States.
The idea of honoring mothers quickly spread beyond the United States, and many countries around the world began to adopt their versions of Mother’s Day. Today, International Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 50 countries, with each nation incorporating its cultural traditions and customs.
As International Mother’s Day gained popularity, it also faced criticism for becoming overly commercialized, shifting the focus away from the holiday’s true meaning. Anna Jarvis herself expressed dismay at how the holiday had been commercialized, emphasizing greeting cards, flowers, and gifts rather than genuine acts of appreciation.
Mother’s Day celebrations vary widely across cultures, reflecting unique traditions and values. Let’s explore some of the most prominent customs:
| Country | Date of Celebration | Traditions & Customs |
|---|
| United States | Second Sunday in May | – Giving gifts like flowers, cards, chocolates – Family gatherings and brunches – Handmade gifts by children – Popular flowers: roses, carnations – Church services |
| United Kingdom | Fourth Sunday of Lent (Mothering Sunday) | – Visit to the “mother church” – Church attendance and family time – Simpler celebrations focused on bonding and appreciation |
| India | Varies by region and religion | – Hindu: Durga Puja honors Goddess Durga through rituals – Christian: Gifts, cards, and family time – Cultural variations with regional customs |
| Japan | Second Sunday in May (“Haha no Hi”) | – Giving carnations (red for living, white for deceased) – Handmade gifts – Family meals – Focus on gratitude and respect |
| Mexico | May 10th (fixed date) | – Lavish celebrations with music and food – Serenades with “Las Mañanitas” – Popular gifts: jewelry, clothing, appliances – Large family gatherings |
What began as a heartfelt celebration of motherhood has, over time, transformed into one of the most commercially driven holidays of the year. Originally rooted in gratitude, reflection, and genuine emotional connection, Mother’s Day has increasingly become a profit-centered event, often overshadowing its true essence. The modern-day observance, especially in Western countries, sees a surge in spending on flowers, greeting cards, jewelry, spa vouchers, and elaborate brunches — all marketed as “must-haves” to honor moms.
This commercial shift largely took off in the early 20th century, not long after Anna Jarvis successfully campaigned for Mother’s Day to be recognized as a national holiday in the United States. Ironically, Jarvis herself grew disillusioned with how quickly businesses overtook the day. She strongly opposed the idea of profit replacing sentiment and even went so far as to protest against florists and card companies for distorting her original intent.
Today, billions of dollars are spent globally each year in the name of Mother’s Day. While gift-giving isn’t inherently negative, it raises questions about whether the pressure to purchase overshadows genuine appreciation. Thoughtful gestures, such as handwritten notes, quality time, or acts of service, are often sidelined by flashy ads promoting luxury items.
The commercialization of Mother’s Day reminds us to reassess how we celebrate. While the marketplace continues to capitalize on the occasion, the value lies in making mothers feel loved, seen, and appreciated in meaningful ways—with or without a price tag. Striking a balance between thoughtful gifts and heartfelt actions may preserve the day’s original spirit.
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International Mother’s Day recognizes and appreciates the unconditional love, guidance, and support that mothers, grandmothers, and other maternal figures provide. The holiday celebrates the joys and challenges of motherhood and acknowledges mothers’ sacrifices and contributions in shaping their children’s lives. It encourages families to come together, spend quality time, and express gratitude to the maternal figures in their lives.
The holiday helps raise awareness about the importance of maternal health, women’s rights, and the need for support and resources for mothers worldwide. Ultimately, International Mother’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the love, care, and support that mothers provide, and it encourages us to express our gratitude for their presence in our lives.
As we commemorate International Mother’s Day, reflecting on the personal stories and experiences that make this holiday so meaningful is essential. From inspiring tales of maternal sacrifice to heartwarming accounts of family bonding, these stories remind us of mothers and maternal figures’ profound impact on our lives.
In the small village of Rajasthan, India, Meena’s family had fallen on hard times. With her husband’s health declining and the family’s financial resources dwindling, Meena knew she had to take drastic action to ensure her children’s well-being. Without hesitation, she decided to leave her home and seek work as a domestic helper in the city, hundreds of miles away.
For years, Meena toiled tirelessly, sending every rupee she could spare back to her family. The separation was agonizing, but her love for her children fueled her determination. Finally, after saving enough money, Meena could return home and reunite with her family. The joyful tears that streamed down her children’s faces as they embraced their mothers were a testament to the unwavering love and sacrifice that defines motherhood.
Growing up in a small town in rural China, Mei-Ling’s childhood was marked by hardship and uncertainty. When her mother passed away, her grandmother, Lao-Lao, stepped in to fill the void, becoming a pillar of strength and support.
Lao-Lao’s wisdom and compassion knew no bounds. She would spend hours teaching Mei-Ling traditional Chinese calligraphy, imparting artistic skills and valuable life lessons. During times of doubt and despair, Lao-Lao’s gentle words and unwavering encouragement would lift Mei-Ling’s spirits, reminding her of her inner strength and resilience.
As Mei-Ling grew older and faced the challenges of adulthood, she would often turn to Lao-Lao for guidance. Her grandmother’s unwavering presence and unconditional love became a guiding light, shaping Mei-Ling into the confident and compassionate woman she is today.
In the remote villages of Kenya, cultural norms and economic barriers often limit girls’ access to education. But for Fatima, a determined mother, providing her daughter with the opportunity to learn was a cause she was willing to fight for.
Despite facing skepticism and resistance from her community, Fatima tirelessly advocated for her daughter, Amina, to attend the local secondary school. She took on additional farm work, scrimping and saving every shilling to cover the tuition fees and school supplies.
The journey was difficult, but Fatima’s unwavering commitment and Amina’s unwavering determination paid off. Amina excelled in her studies, eventually earning a scholarship to a prestigious university. As Fatima watched her daughter walk across the stage to receive her diploma, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of immense pride and joy, knowing that her sacrifices had paved the way for a brighter future.
These heartwarming stories are just a few examples of the countless ways in which mothers and maternal figures have profoundly impacted the lives of their loved ones. From the selfless acts of a mother in India to the guiding wisdom of a grandmother in China and the unwavering determination of a Kenyan mother, these narratives remind us of the universal power of maternal love and support.
As we celebrate International Mother’s Day, let us take inspiration from these stories and honor the maternal figures in our lives, recognizing their invaluable contributions in shaping our journeys and helping us reach our full potential.
International Mother’s Day is a fantastic opportunity to express your love and gratitude to the extraordinary women in your life. Here are some ideas to make the day truly memorable:
Remember, the most important thing is to show your mother how much she means to you. Whether you choose a grand gesture or a simple act of kindness, your love and appreciation will be the best gift.
Here’s a list of movies that beautifully capture the essence of motherhood:
This list offers a diverse range of movies that cater to different tastes and emotions. Enjoy a heartwarming cinematic experience with your loved ones!
International Mother’s Day is a cherished global celebration that pays tribute to the selfless love and unwavering support of mothers and maternal figures. As 7th and 8th-grade students, understanding this holiday’s history, traditions, and significance can help us develop a deeper appreciation for the women who have shaped our lives.
Whether it’s spending quality time with your mother, expressing gratitude, or supporting maternal causes, there are countless ways to commemorate International Mother’s Day and honor the remarkable women in our lives. By embracing the spirit of this holiday, we can foster stronger family bonds, promote maternal well-being, and inspire the next generation to continue the legacy of honoring and celebrating mothers worldwide.
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March 21 is celebrated as Mother’s Day throughout the Middle East. It has been honored as a sacred day to celebrate mothers at the time of the spring equinox, the time for new life, and to honor all life as sacred.
It was officially recognized in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation designating Mother’s Day to be held on the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers. This year, International Women’s Day will fall on 11th May.
International Women’s Day will be celebrated on the second Sunday of May. This year, it will fall on 11th May and may change yearly.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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