Celebrating Mother's Day in the USA
Mother's Day is a cherished holiday in the United States, dedicated to honoring and appreciating mothers and mother figures for their invaluable contributions to families and society. This special day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May. In 2024, this special day falls on May 12th.
Historical Background
The modern American Mother's Day was established by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century. After her mother's death in 1905, Jarvis campaigned tirelessly to make Mother's Day a recognized holiday. The first official celebration took place on May 10, 1908, at St. Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where Jarvis distributed white carnations, her mother's favorite flower. By 1911, Mother's Day was being celebrated in many states, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed it as a national holiday.
For more on the history of Mother's Day, visit the History Channel's article on Mother's Day.
How Mother's Day is Celebrated
Americans mark this occasion in various meaningful ways:
- Sending greeting cards and flowers (particularly carnations)
- Taking mothers out for special meals
- Giving thoughtful gifts
- Making handmade presents
- Spending quality family time together
Popular Gift Ideas
- Fresh flower bouquets
- Jewelry
- Spa treatments
- Personalized photo gifts
- Handwritten cards
- Breakfast in bed
Traditions and Symbols
Some traditional symbols associated with Mother's Day include:
- Carnations: White carnations were Anna Jarvis's mother's favorite flower and have become a symbol of the holiday
- Roses: Red roses symbolize love and appreciation
- Breakfast in Bed: Many children and spouses start the day by serving their mothers a special breakfast
- Family Activities: Engaging in activities that mothers enjoy
"The best Mother's Day gifts come from the heart, not necessarily the wallet." - Popular saying
International Celebrations
While the U.S. celebrates in May, other countries observe Mother's Day on different dates:
| Country | Date |
|---|---|
| UK | Fourth Sunday of Lent |
| Mexico | May 10 |
| France | Last Sunday in May |
| Thailand | August 12 |
Digital Age Celebrations
In recent years, virtual celebrations have become increasingly common, especially for families living apart:
- Virtual family gatherings
- Social media tributes
- Digital photo albums
- Online gift cards
- Video messages
Economic Impact
Mother's Day has become one of the most commercially successful U.S. occasions. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans typically spend billions of dollars annually on Mother's Day gifts and celebrations.
For more information on how Mother's Day is celebrated around the world, you might find this BBC article on Mother's Day traditions interesting.