When we think about the most special people in our lives, mothers invariably come to mind. Whether it’s your own mom, a stepmom, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, or a dear friend who embodies the spirit of motherhood, these incredible women deserve to be celebrated. Expressing heartfelt Mother’s Day greetings is just the start. Showing your appreciation with thoughtful gestures, be it a beautiful bouquet, a meaningful gift, or simply quality time, truly resonates. After all, your presence is often the most cherished gift of all.
To help you plan the perfect Mother’s Day activities, prepare a delightful brunch, or arrange a special dinner, you might be wondering, “What day is Mother’s Day this year?”
While this heartwarming holiday always occurs on the same weekend annually, the specific date shifts each year.
So, as you begin planning how to honor Mom, let’s delve into when Mother’s Day falls this year, explore the history behind this special day in May, and uncover the origins of this cherished holiday.
When is Mother’s Day in 2024?
In 2024, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 12th. This beloved holiday, marked by cards and flowers, lands on a different date each year, but consistently falls on the second Sunday of May. This regular placement ensures it remains a springtime celebration, allowing for outdoor activities and the enjoyment of blooming flowers, often associated with the renewal and nurturing spirit of motherhood.
Is Mother’s Day Celebrated on the Same Date Globally?
While many countries align in celebrating Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, there are variations around the world, reflecting diverse cultural traditions and histories. Like the United States, countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Finland, Switzerland, and Turkey will also honor mothers on May 12th in 2024.
However, not every nation follows this May schedule. For example, in the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is observed in March, coinciding with Lent. In Mexico, the celebration takes place on May 10th each year, a fixed date in their calendar. Thailand offers a unique observance, celebrating Mother’s Day on August 12th, which is also the birthday of Queen Sirikit, their Queen Mother, linking the holiday to a figure of national motherhood. These differing dates highlight the global yet locally nuanced nature of celebrating mothers.
The Historical Roots of Mother’s Day
The concept of dedicating a day to mothers has roots stretching back to ancient civilizations, but the modern Mother’s Day as we know it began to take shape in the late 19th century, evolving from a series of social and cultural movements. A pivotal figure in this evolution was Anna Maria Reeves Jarvis, a social activist committed to community betterment.
Jarvis founded women’s clubs aimed at improving maternal and child health, demonstrating her deep respect for mothers. In 1868, she organized Mothers’ Friendship Day, a post-Civil War event designed to foster reconciliation between mothers from both Union and Confederate sides.
Anna Jarvis's tireless advocacy led to the official declaration of Mother's Day in the United States, celebrated every second Sunday in May.
Building on this momentum, suffragist Julia Ward Howe issued her Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870, advocating for a Mother’s Peace Day in June as a call for global harmony. These early initiatives laid the groundwork for a broader recognition of mothers’ contributions.
Following her mother’s death in 1905, Anna Jarvis’s daughter, also named Anna, passionately championed the cause of a dedicated Mother’s Day. She initiated a letter-writing campaign, urging for a day to honor all mothers and their sacrifices. Her relentless advocacy gained traction, culminating in President Woodrow Wilson’s 1914 proclamation, officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the United States.
Interestingly, the commercialization of Mother’s Day, with its emphasis on cards and gifts, was something the younger Anna Jarvis vehemently opposed. By the 1920s, she publicly criticized the holiday’s materialistic turn, arguing it had strayed from its original intent of sincere appreciation.
Despite this commercial aspect, Mother’s Day endures as a cherished occasion for families worldwide. Using this special day, and indeed every day, to express love and gratitude to the mothers in our lives remains a beautiful and meaningful practice.
