Have you ever how Mothers’ Day came to be? Or why it is universally recognized and celebrated? The following are some startling statistics about Mother’s Day that you probably don’t know:
It started as Mother’s Friendship Day
Mother’s Day started earlier in 1868 in the United States. Ann Reeves Jarvis from West Virginia tried to promote peace between Confederate and Union soldiers by organizing Mother’s Friendship Day. The mothers who joined this club refused to take sides during the Civil War. Instead, they provided nursing services and saved thousands of soldiers.
The founder was not a mother
Anna M. Jarvis received credit for founding Mother’s Day as a holiday. She had no children and never got married. In memory of her mother’s death two years before, Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother’s Day observance in May 1908. She held campaigned for each second Sunday of May to be named a national celebration day for mothers.
The founder wanted to abolish it
Mother’s Day continued to become popular with increased commercialization. In 1920, Anna Jarvis wrote about Mother’s Day becoming an expensive and wasteful day like other special days. She continued with the battle against its commercialization until passing on in November 1948. During her death, she was penniless, and the majority of people doubted her mental health.
Ethiopia celebrates it for three days
In Ethiopia, it is referred to as Antrosht, meaning three. It is celebrated for three days towards the end of a rainy season. Families celebrate by:
- Preparation of traditional meals.
- Men sing songs to honor the family.
- The female gender dance to their songs while anointing themselves with butter.
India holds an entire festival
Every October, Hindus in India celebrate for ten days in honor of their divine mother, Durga. The westernized version of Mother’s Day is officially celebrated every May 10.
Flowers are a classic on Mother’s Day
In the U.S., 25% of all plant purchases and holiday flowers are made for use on Mother’s Day. The statistics are unbelievable, with at least 25% of adults buying flowers as a Mother’s Day gift. The favorite bouquets are lilies, roses, tulips, irises, and orchards. Pink is the traditional and most recognized color.
It does not exist for commercial purposes only
The first Hallmark Mother’s Day Card was produced in early 1920. Earlier in 1914, a decree was signed by the then President, Woodrow Wilson, naming every second Sunday of May as a day for the public to express their love for the country’s mothers. Today, cards with Mother’s Day quotes are common gifts on this day.
It is never too late for some moms
In September 2019, in an Indian nursing home in Delhi, twin girls were born to a 74-year-old woman. She and her husband had been together for 57 years, with no success in getting a child. She is currently the oldest mother on record.
Conclusion
Mother’s Day is not celebrated the same day or the same way internationally. However, it is globally recognized.
