Mother's Day Celebration

With curiosity in our nature, we wonder how and when the first Mother’s Day was established. Mother’s Day has evolved into a global celebration, but its roots trace back to ancient traditions honoring maternal figures. In the United States, the modern holiday began with Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s.

When young Anna was 12, she heard her mother pray that one day there might be a memorial day for mothers for all the good that they do. Young Anna never forgot the prayer. And when her mom died in May of 1905, the plan for a holiday was born. On the second anniversary of her mom's death, Anna held a church memorial dedicated to her mother's good deeds. In May of 1908, Anna held another memorial and handed out white carnations, her mom's favorite flower. She contacted Philadelphia philanthropist John Wanamaker, who joined a Mother's Day committee in hopes of honoring all mothers all across the nation. In 1910, West Virginia became the first state to observe the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. And In 1914, President Wilson signed a bill that officially made the second Sunday in May Mother’s Day.

Did you know some mothers have changed our world in extraordinary ways? Let’s take a look at some incredible mothers who have made substantial positive contributions to the world.

Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates worldwide, but it has the same fundamental purpose: to recognize the irreplaceable role mothers play in our families and communities. Although Mother's Day is celebrated all over the world, each country has its own special way of honoring mothers. Let’s take a journey to see how different cultures show their love and appreciation.