May 12, 2025 by Savannah Winter (‘26)
Did you know that the most phone calls are made on Mother’s Day more than any other day of the year? Read below to find out why and how Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world and what special things you can do for your mother, not just in the few days following Mother’s Day, but all year round!
The History of Mother’s Day:
Mother’s Day is a global holiday, which recognizes and honors all mothers and all their contributions to society and our lives. Mother’s Day began in the 1800s when Ann Reeves Jarvis created “Mothers’ Day WorkClubs” which gave women support and advice on how to raise their children. Throughout this period, the Civil War was dividing the country, yet these clubs helped to bring the different sides of war together in unity. “Mother’s Friendship day” was soon organized by Ann Reeves Jarvis as a result of this. Additionally, a civil and women’s rights advocate named Julia Ward Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” which encourages mothers to come together in hopes to foster world peace. Howe then advocated for “Mother’s Peace Day” to strengthen her previous proclamation.
All these events and leading women helped facilitate the true establishment of Mother’s Day in the 1900s, which was brought to a larger scale by Anna Jarvis, the daughter of the previous Mother’s Day advocate. She wanted to establish a day where mothers, including her own, could be honored for the many sacrifices they make for their families and children.
The spread of this holiday continued across the country as she fought for it to be recognized nationally, as she believed that all the holidays are in one way or another supporting men and their accomplishments- which angered her as feminist. Anna Jarvis continued forming campaigns and her own, unofficial, Mother’s Day until 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson officially signed on the holiday, allowing it to be recognized throughout the US.
Mother’s Day around the world:
Mother’s Day is not just celebrated in the U.S., but all over the world! Places like France, the United Kingdom, and Ethiopia all celebrate Mother’s Day but in various ways specific to each country. First, in the United States, people typically give cards, treats, or flowers to their mothers to honor their actions and love. Like the U.S., France celebrates Mother’s Day in a similar fashion while prioritizing cards and a specific flower called Lily of the Valley as well as preparing special meals. Peru, however, takes a slightly different approach as they not only honor living mothers but also recognize deceased female family members. Peruvians often visit the graves of their family’s past matriarchs, bearing gifts such as food or flowers to place near them. In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day occurs during a holiday called Antrosht, which is towards the end of the year. Mothers and families will sing and dance as well as celebrate together with a large feast. The feast includes a type of homemade hash- the ingredients for this hash is provided and bought by the children of the families upon arrival to their family gatherings. The boys are responsible for the meat or lamb while the girls bring milk, vegetables, or seasonings.
In Japan, Mother’s Day is celebrated through the prominence of red carnations, which is a special type of flower that symbolizes a mother’s love and dedication. Egg dishes can also be served on this day. In Thailand, Mother’s Day takes place on Queen Sirikit’s birthday as she is often referred to as the “mother of the nation”. Kids will bring their mother’s jasmine- which represents love and purity-and families will make generous donations to the females in their life. Other celebrations including performances like candle-lighting events, fireworks, and even parades are organized to not only recognize mothers but the queen as well. Overall, Mother’s Day is a holiday celebrated all across the globe but in many different ways specific to different
cultures and places. It is important to note how other countries celebrate holidays to see how our world is extremely diverse and holds many perspectives.
https://www.history.com/articles/mothers-day-world-traditions
https://www.history.com/articles/mothers-day
5 things to do for Mother’s Day (a day off, but it’s never too late to appreciate your mom!):
- Make a paper bouquet – Paper flower bouquet for Mother’s day | Mother’s day gift ideas
- Bake pink cookies – Easy Homemade Lofthouse Cookies
- Draw or design a pop-up card –DIY Mother’s day pop-up flower card
#fy #tutorial #diy #paperkraft #aesthetic #mothersday #fyp - Make a brunch buffet –3 EASY MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH IDEAS || SIMPLE BRUNCH IDEAS
- Do a craft –
DIY MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS YOU CAN MAKE AT HOME | 5 Dollar Tree DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 2020