When is Mother's Day in 2024?

Mother's Day is an annual celebration honoring the mother of the family, motherhood, maternal bonds, and mothers' influence in society. In 2024, Mother's Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 12th.

The date for Mother's Day varies each year. Still, it is always observed on the second Sunday of May in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This date was selected to allow sufficient time between Mother's Day and other holidays like Easter.

The History of Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a celebration honouring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. The modern Mother's Day celebration originated in the early 20th century, though the roots of the tradition can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman festivals.

The idea of an official holiday celebrating mothers first took form in the 1800s. In the United States, the precursor to Mother's Day was Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation in 1870, which called for mothers to unite in promoting world peace. Later, in 1908, Anna Jarvis began campaigning for an official Mother's Day holiday in the US.

Jarvis's efforts paid off when 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. Since then, the holiday has been celebrated annually in the United States, with many other countries adopting similar traditions. Mother's Day is celebrated in various forms worldwide, with gifts, cards, and quality time spent with mothers and mother figures.

The Importance of Celebrating Mother's Day

Celebrating Mother's Day is significant for several reasons:

Recognizing Maternal Contributions: Mother's Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge mothers' invaluable contributions to their children's upbringing and the family unit as a whole. It's a chance to express gratitude for the countless ways mothers nurture, guide, and advocate for their loved ones.

Strengthening Family Bonds: Celebrating Mother's Day strengthens the emotional connections within families. Honouring mothers encourages children to reflect on their special relationship and reinforces the family's importance.

Promoting Self-Care for Mothers: Mother's Day reminds mothers to take time and practice self-care. It's a chance for them to step back from their daily responsibilities and enjoy moments of relaxation and pampering.

Preserving Traditions: Mother's Day has been observed for generations, and continuing this celebration helps preserve cultural and familial legacies. It's a way to honour the maternal figures who have come before and inspire future generations.

Reasons for Celebrating Mother's Day on Different Days Around the World

One key reason for the differing Mother's Day dates is that the holiday was established at different times in different regions. For example, Mother's Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1908, while the UK began observing the holiday in 1907. The dates were often chosen to coincide with existing springtime festivals and celebrations.

Cultural and religious influences also play a role. In many Catholic-majority countries, Mother's Day is celebrated on the Feast of the Assumption or the Immaculate Conception, honouring the Virgin Mary. Secular celebrations may be timed to school calendars, harvest seasons, or opportunities for children to honour their mothers.

Unique Mother's Day Traditions and Celebrations Across Cultures

Celebrating Mother's Day is a tradition observed in many countries worldwide, but the customs and traditions can vary greatly across different cultures. Here's a look at some unique Mother's Day traditions and celebrations from around the globe:

In Ethiopia, families gather for a large feast called "Antrosht" to honour maternal figures. Children bring butter, cheese, vegetables and spices to celebrate their mothers.

In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on the birthday of the current Queen. Thais show their appreciation by presenting their mothers and grandmothers with jasmine flowers, a symbol of motherhood.

In Mexico, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 10th every year. Families visit their mothers' graves, clean them, and leave flowers and candles. It's also common for children to perform songs and dances to honour their mothers.

In the UK, Mothering Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Children traditionally give their mothers flowers, cards, and handmade gifts, often featuring artwork or poetry.

Making the Most of Mother's Day in 2024 and Beyond

In 2024 and beyond, we may see a greater emphasis on personalized, experiential gifts and celebrations that cater to mothers' unique needs and preferences. Virtual reality experiences, customized spa days, and interactive family activities could become popular ways to show appreciation. Additionally, the rise of remote work and flexible schedules may allow for more time spent together on Mother's Day.