The History of Mother's Day: Why We Celebrate This Special Day

The contributions of mothers in our lives are beyond words. Mother’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar - it’s a heartfelt celebration of the love, sacrifices, and endless care that mothers shower upon us. 

It’s a day to pause, appreciate, and express gratitude for our moms, who shaped our lives with their warmth and wisdom. Even if we celebrated Mother’s Day every day, it wouldn’t be enough to honour and express gratitude for the sacrifices they make for us.

But what is the origin of Mother’s Day, and why do we celebrate Mother's Day? Let us find out. 

The History of Mother’s Day: How it Started

Long before Mother’s Day became a global celebration, ancient civilisations had their own ways to honour the women who gave life and nurtured societies. Moms have been celebrated throughout the history of mankind. 

Here is a glimpse of the history of Mother's Day: 

Ancient Traditions: 

In ancient Greece, there was a tradition of honouring the mother of all gods. Rhea, the mother of Zeus and the other mighty Olympians, was worshipped. The ancient Greeks believed she was the ultimate symbol of motherhood and celebrated her with grand offerings every spring. 

People brought flowers, honey cakes, and gifts, thanking her for life and abundance - just like we thank our moms today!

Mothering Sunday: 

Long before the world embraced Mother’s Day as we know it today, Britain had its own special day known as Mothering Sunday. 

This tradition dates back to the 16th century. On the fourth Sunday of Lent, people would visit their mother church which was the main church in their hometown. This practice became an occasion for families to reunite.

Over time, the young apprentices and servants, who lived away from home due to work, were given this day off to visit their families. Children used to pick wildflowers on their journey and present them to their mothers as a small yet heartfelt gesture of gratitude.

Julia Ward Howe & the Mother’s Day Proclamation: 

In 1870, activist Julia Ward Howe issued the Mother’s Day Proclamation, calling for mothers to unite for peace following the American Civil War. 

Julia had a vision for a day where women could advocate against war and promote unity. However, it didn’t lead to an official holiday.

Anna Jarvis & the Official Recognition:

Inspired by her mother’s lifelong efforts to support mothers and communities, Anna Jarvis took up the cause after her mother’s passing in 1905. 

She led a dedicated campaign to establish Mother’s Day as a national holiday. Her persistence paid off when, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day in the United States.

Why Do We Celebrate Mother’s Day?

We often wonder - why we celebrate mother's day? The basic intention behind celebrating mother’s day is to show gratitude and love towards our moms. Here is why we are celebrating mother's day: 

Strengthening Family Bonds

Life gets busy, and we don’t always get the chance to slow down and spend time with Mom like we should. Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to do just that. Whether it’s through a long phone call, a cosy meal together, a thoughtful Mother’s Day present or just reminiscing over old stories. It’s all about making her feel loved and appreciated.

Showing Appreciation

Mothers work tirelessly, often without expecting anything in return. Mother’s Day gives us the perfect chance to express gratitude. It is our chance to show a little love back. A heartfelt note and a heartwarming gift for Mother’s Day can mean the world to her. 

It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about making sure she knows she’s loved and appreciated.

How Mother's Day Is Celebrated Worldwide

Let us start by saying that there is no standard way of celebrating Mother’s Day. It is simply a heartfelt celebration of the bond between a mother and a child, and can be in any form or shape. 

In USA: In the USA, kids often plan dinners and buy gifts for their mothers.

In Canada: Canada celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. Breakfast in bed is a popular tradition in Canada for celebrating Mother’s Day.

In Japan: Gifting red and pink carnations as a symbol of love and appreciation is a tradition that can only be seen in Japan. Here, kids also help around the house to give their mothers some rest. 

In India: In India, kids spend quality time with their moms, give heartfelt gifts, and cook special meals for Mother’s Day. 

In France:  In France, the last Sunday of May is celebrated as Mother’s Day or Fête des Mères, where kids prepare a meal for their mothers and often surprise them with a flower-shaped cake.

How to Make Mother’s Day 2025 Memorable

Here are some tips and tricks to make Mother’s Day 2025 more memorable for your mom:

1. Giving Mother’s Day Gifts

Gift for mother on mother’s day is the best way to show your appreciation and love. You can shop for thoughtful gifts like personalised scented candles, lapel pins, mugs etc. for Mother’s day.

You can order gifts online for Mother’s Day to surprise your mom.

2. Buying Flowers for Mom

If you don’t have time to buy a gift, some pretty flowers with a handwritten note or greeting card can also be great for celebrating Mother’s Day. You can check out this creative Mother’s Day pop-up card to accompany the flowers. 

3. Cooking Meal for Mom

You can also make Mother's Day 2025 memorable by cooking her breakfast in bed or a delicious dinner. This will give her a break and will be a beautiful gesture. 

4. Give Her the Gift of Time

Moms often prioritize everyone else - so on Mother’s Day, give her a day off! Take care of the chores, let her relax, or plan a movie night with her favorite films. Sometimes, quality time is the best gift.

You can shop for personalised gifts for your Mom from BigSmall. BigSmall is India’s most loved gifting brand where you can get gifts for any occasion. From birthday gifts to anniversary gifts, gifts for him and gifts for her, we have a huge collection of unique gifts for everyone. We also offer corporate gifts for offices and you can place bulk orders in advance.