NEW YORK — Once a simple expression of personal devotion, Mother’s Day has evolved into a multivalent global observance, reflecting humanity’s enduring respect for the maternal figures who nurture and shape society. Tracing a path from ancient fertility rites to today’s multi-billion dollar commercial enterprise, this annual tribute transforms everyday care into symbolic acts of gratitude, anchoring the emotional foundation of countless families worldwide.

The tradition of honoring motherhood is far older than the modern calendar holiday. Across the ancient world, civilizations revered powerful female deities associated with creation, protection, and fertility, setting the stage for future observances. In Ancient Greece, festivals honored Rhea, the mother of the Olympian gods, with offerings of cakes and flowers recognizing the primal maternal force. Similarly, the Romans celebrated Matronalia in March to acknowledge Juno, the goddess of women and childbirth. These rituals cemented the mother’s role not merely as a familial figure, but as a universal symbol of life, sustenance, and continuity.

The Campaign for a Formal Recognition

The contemporary iteration of the holiday sprung from 19th-century American social activism. Ann Reeves Jarvis first began organizing “Mother’s Work Days” in the 1850s to improve public health and community welfare in West Virginia. Following her death, her daughter, Anna Jarvis, launched a relentless campaign for a formal, national day of recognition. Jarvis envisioned a solemn, sentimental observance focused on personal reflection and handwritten appreciation. Her efforts culminated in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the United States.

While Jarvis later decried the rampant commercialization of the day, her campaign successfully introduced a globally recognized structure for celebrating maternal bonds. The holiday rapidly traversed borders, adapting to local customs while maintaining the core message of gratitude.

A Spectrum of Global Celebrations

Mother’s Day is now celebrated at varying times and with distinct customs internationally. In the United States and Canada, the day is marked by family gatherings, meals, and, most prominently, floral tributes. Anna Jarvis’s initial selection, the carnation, remains symbolic: red or pink signifying admiration for living mothers, and white honoring the deceased.

In contrast, the United Kingdom’s Mothering Sunday, typically observed in March, originated as a spiritual pause for people to visit their “mother church,” later merging with the celebratory aspects of honoring mothers with tokens and cards. Other distinct observances include Mexico’s Día de las Madres on May 10, often involving mariachi bands and joyous family feasts, and Ethiopia’s multi-day Antrosht festival in the fall, centering on communal meals and songs.

The Psychology of Gratitude

Beyond commercial transactions, the enduring psychological and social significance of Mother’s Day lies in its ability to ritualize gratitude. Societal acknowledgments—whether through a handmade card or an elaborate gift—validate the often-invisible labor of caregiving and strengthen intergenerational connections.

The symbols used carry profound weight. Flowers, much like the qualities they represent, embody nurturing, blooming, and fragile beauty, mirroring the maternal role. Handwritten messages remain a critical element, transforming abstract emotional truths into tangible tokens of affection.

From reverence for ancient earth goddesses to modern-day breakfast in bed, Mother’s Day serves as an annual, necessary homage. It is a universal acknowledgment of the profound, protective force provided by mothers, reflecting a foundational human experience that continuously shapes and sustains civilization.

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