What is the date of international Mother’s Day?

Holidays & Special Events

By Kristy Tolley

International Mother’s Day

International Mother’s Day is a worldwide celebration that honors mothers and mother figures for their love, care, and sacrifices. It is a day to express gratitude and appreciation for everything that mothers do to raise their children and support their families.

Origins of Mother’s Day

The roots of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people would honor goddesses and mother deities. In the United States, the modern-day celebration of Mother’s Day began in 1908, when Anna Jarvis organized a memorial for her mother. Jarvis campaigned for a national holiday to honor mothers, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother’s Day a national holiday in the US.

Early celebrations of Mother’s Day

In the early years of Mother’s Day, people would wear carnations to honor their mothers. White carnations were used to honor deceased mothers, while pink or red carnations were used for living mothers. The holiday quickly spread to other countries around the world, with different countries adopting their own traditions for celebrating Mother’s Day.

The establishment of International Mother’s Day

In 1914, the International Mother’s Day Association was established to promote the holiday globally. The organization aimed to create a day that would honor mothers of all nations and promote peace and friendship between countries. Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world.

The date of International Mother’s Day

International Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. The first official International Mother’s Day was celebrated on May 10, 1920. However, some countries celebrate Mother’s Day on different dates, such as the fourth Sunday in Lent in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

How is Mother’s Day celebrated globally?

Mother’s Day is celebrated in a variety of ways around the world. Many people give gifts or cards to their mothers, while others organize special events or take their mothers out for a meal. In some countries, Mother’s Day is a public holiday, and schools and businesses may close for the day.

Similar celebrations around the world

While Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries, there are also similar holidays that honor motherhood and maternal figures. In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the mother of the nation. In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated in the fall, and families gather for a large feast.

Mothering Sunday in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is known as Mothering Sunday and is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent. The holiday has its roots in the Christian church and was originally a day for people to return to their hometowns and attend church with their families.

Mother’s Day in the United States

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It is a popular holiday for sending cards and flowers to mothers, and many families also gather for a special meal or outing.

Other variations of Mother’s Day

In some countries, such as Russia and China, International Women’s Day is celebrated as a day to honor women, including mothers. In Nepal, a holiday called Matatirtha Aunsi is celebrated in honor of both mothers and deceased family members.

Conclusion: A day to honor all mothers

International Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate the love and dedication of all mothers around the world. Whether it is through gift-giving, special events, or simply spending time together, the holiday is an opportunity to show appreciation for everything that mothers do for their families. While the exact traditions may vary from country to country, the sentiment behind the holiday remains the same: to honor and cherish the role of mothers in our lives.

References and further reading

  • History.com Editors. (2010). Mother’s Day. History. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day
  • International Mother’s Day Shrine. (n.d.). History of Mother’s Day. Retrieved from http://www.internationalmothersdayshrine.com/HistoryofMother’sDay.htm
  • Time and Date AS. (n.d.). Mother’s Day around the world. Retrieved from https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/mother-day
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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