Mother's Day is an annual holiday that celebrates women who are mothers. Many people around the world celebrate Mother's Day. As with other holidays, Mother's Day in the United States and elsewhere has become commercialized and typically mothers receive flowers or gifts as a thank you present.

Celebrating Mother's Day

Mother's Day is celebrated by many countries, usually during the month of May. In the United States and several other countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Switzerland, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

In the United States, the idea of Mother's Day originated with Anna Jarvis, a young mother who lived in Appalachia and organized Mother's Work Days in 1858 for the purpose of improving the health of mothers in the region. In 1872 Julia Ward Howe also established a special day dedicated to mothers in conjunction with a day for peace. Howe's version of Mother's Day, which was more oriented toward peace in the Franco-Prussian War being waged at the time, was celebrated primarily in Boston, Massachusetts, but forgotten by World War I.

Just a few years after the death of her mother, in 1907, the daughter of Anna Jarvis arranged a Mother's Day service to honor her deceased mother at the local church in the West Virginia town where she lived. On the same day a similar service was held in Philadelphia. Soon the tradition spread to 45 states throughout America as well as Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada. In 1914, spurred by Jarvis, the U.S. Congress passed the Mother's Day resolution that made Mother's Day official.

In the UK, the holiday is called Mothering Sunday and falls on the fourth Sunday after Lent. Its origin is unknown, but Mothering Day has been celebrated for hundreds of years there. Other months during which Mother's Day is celebrated include March, August, October, November, and December. The celebration of Mother's Day in March is thought to have its origins in the ancient Greek customs of celebrating the mother of the gods. This tradition however, is somewhat different than the Mother's Day tradition here in the United States.

Mother's Day Gifts

Many mothers have unique bonds with their children from infancy until adulthood. As testaments to their affection and appreciation, young and older children alike have traditionally given gifts to their mothers on Mother's Day. These gifts can be either purchased or handmade. Popular Mother's Day gifts include cards, flowers, chocolates, spa packages, perfume, home decor, jewelry, and artwork. If you are trying to decide what to give your mom this Mother's Day, don't feel compelled to pick up something conventional. Instead, let the gift you buy reflect your mom's personal tastes, passions, and pursuits. Regardless of what you buy, your mom will probably cherish any gift you give with love.