Mother’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring mothers and motherhood. If you’re wondering, what day is Mother’s Day on?, it’s celebrated annually in the United States on the second Sunday in May. This means the exact date changes each year, but it always falls on that special Sunday in May. While Mother’s Day is a widely recognized national holiday in the U.S., it’s important to note that it is not a federal or public holiday, meaning businesses typically remain open.
Mother’s Day Dates: Plan Ahead
To help you plan your celebrations, here are the Mother’s Day dates for the next few years:
| Year | Mother’s Day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Sunday, May 11 |
| 2026 | Sunday, May 10 |
| 2027 | Sunday, May 9 |
| 2028 | Sunday, May 14 |
A Look into the History of Mother’s Day
The concept of honoring mothers is deeply rooted in history, stretching back to ancient civilizations. Festivals dedicated to mothers were often intertwined with worship of goddesses and symbols of fertility, birth, and the nurturing aspects of motherhood. Mothers were seen as protectors and caregivers, not just of children, but symbolically, of all humanity.
Ancient cultures recognized the significance of motherhood in various ways. The Phrygians, for instance, held festivals for Cybele, revered as the Great Mother of the Gods. Similarly, the Greeks and Romans paid homage to mother figures within their pantheon of gods and goddesses. Even today, the Durga-puja festival in India stands as a testament to the enduring tradition of honoring the divine feminine through the goddess Durga.
Mothering Sunday: A European Tradition
Centuries before the establishment of Mother’s Day in America, Europeans had their own tradition of honoring mothers with Mothering Sunday, observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This custom, dating back to the Middle Ages, provided laborers, apprentices, and servants – often young daughters working in domestic service – a day to return home to their mothers and their “mother” church, the main church or cathedral of the area.
Mothering Sunday was a time for family reunions. Sons and daughters would take over household chores and prepare a special meal for their mothers. Families would attend church services together, with the day’s gospel often focusing on themes of nourishment and abundance, such as the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with loaves of bread. Interestingly, the strict fasting rules of Lent were relaxed on Mothering Sunday, allowing for a more celebratory atmosphere.
The Simnel Cake: A Mothering Sunday Treat
A distinctive feature of Mothering Sunday in 16th-century England was the Simnel Cake. The eldest son or daughter would often bring this special “Mothering Cake” to share with the family. A Simnel Cake is a rich fruitcake containing two layers of almond paste and traditionally decorated with eleven marzipan balls representing the twelve apostles minus Judas. Sometimes, sugar violets were also added for decoration. If you’re interested in trying this historic recipe, you can find a traditional Simnel Cake recipe here.
The Women Behind Modern Mother’s Day
In the United States, the establishment of modern Mother’s Day is largely credited to the efforts of three remarkable women: Ann Reeves Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Ann’s daughter, Anna M. Jarvis. These women, celebrated as mothers themselves, were also prominent activists advocating for children’s welfare, health, and peace.
If you’re interested in learning more about their contributions, you can explore the History of Mother’s Day in the United States.
10 Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Mom This Year
Not inclined to bake a Simnel Cake? No problem! Here are ten creative and heartfelt ideas to express your love and appreciation for Mom. Remember, mothers are our constant support and deserve to be celebrated!
1. Garden Services: Lend a Helping Hand Outdoors
Offer to help Mom with her garden. Whether it’s weeding, planting flowers, or simply tidying up the yard, your assistance will be greatly appreciated and allows for quality time spent together outdoors.
2. Doorstep Delights: Decorate or Gift Flowers
Brighten Mom’s day by decorating her front door with festive decorations or gifting her a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gesture, symbolizing love and appreciation.
3. Culinary Creations: Cook a Delicious Meal for Mom
Treat Mom to a homemade meal. Cooking for her is a thoughtful way to show you care. Consider brunch recipes like a Frittata de Nonna, as pictured below, for a special and delicious treat.
4. Virtual Connection: Call or Host a Talent Show Online
Connect with Mom, even from a distance, with a phone call or video call. Share a laugh with some funny “mom jokes” or organize a virtual talent show where family members can showcase their skills to entertain her.
5. Shared Entertainment: Movie or TV Time Together
Enjoy a movie or TV show together. If you’re in the same location, create a cozy movie night at home. If you’re apart, use technology to watch a movie simultaneously online and share the experience virtually.
6. Creative Expressions: Personalized Videos, Playlists, or Art
Get creative and make Mom a personalized gift. A heartfelt video montage from all the children, a curated music playlist of her favorite songs, or a handmade piece of art are all meaningful and unique presents.
7. Outdoor Adventures: Parks, Strolls, or Picnics
Enjoy the fresh air and springtime beauty by going for a walk in the park or planning a picnic for Mom. A change of scenery and outdoor activity can be refreshing and uplifting.
8. Homemade Treasures: Heartfelt DIY Gifts
Craft a homemade gift. Gifts made with love and effort are often the most cherished. Consider DIY beauty products for a home spa basket or other craft projects. Alternatively, explore online options for personalized jewelry, perhaps featuring her child’s birthstone. You can find more information about birthstones by month.
9. Virtual Explorations: Museums and Gardens Online
Explore museums or gardens virtually. Take advantage of online virtual tours offered by many institutions to experience art and culture from the comfort of home.
10. Handmade Cards: A Personal Touch
Create a homemade card. A handmade card is a timeless and personal gesture. Consider making your own Homemade Note Cards to add an extra special touch.
Cherished Memories of Mom
At the Almanac, we cherish our own memories of our mothers. Here are a few heartwarming and humorous recollections shared by our team:
“My Mom sang around the house all the time, and I thought she was making up all the songs! Later, when I heard them on the radio, I had a funny realization.” –Sarah P., Almanac Editor
“My Mom is an avid gardener. One year, we grew sunflowers that were almost 8 feet tall! As a kid, they were just amazing. She definitely sparked my interest in plants.” –Chris B., Almanac Editor
“When I was a teenager, my mother went back to college and had to learn computer programming. It was a role reversal moment when I could help her with her homework!” –Peter R., Almanac Programmer
“Before school, my Mom and I would have breakfast by the kitchen window and watch the hummingbirds. We loved our hummingbird-watching time!” –Colleen Q., Almanac Art Director
“Every summer, we went to Ocean City, Maryland. My Mom would sit on the beach under a big umbrella every sunny day, never tanning or going in the water. Not once!” –Tim C., Almanac Editor
“Some of my happiest memories are singing with Mom while she played piano. She encouraged me to learn too, and I’m so grateful for the gift of music.” –Heidi S., Almanac Editor
“My Mom and I have a ‘psychic connection’ – we always seem to call each other when we’re thinking of each other. Now it seems my daughter and I share that connection too!” —Stacey K., Almanac Staff
“My Mom took me to the library every week before I started school. We’d get five books and read together almost every day. It instilled a lifelong love of reading.” –Colleen Q., Almanac Art Director
Let’s all take a moment to appreciate and honor the incredible women who have raised us, for their daily sacrifices, and for nurturing our families and communities.
And to all the mothers reading this, from all of us at The Old Farmer’s Almanac, we wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day!
