Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates in various countries around the world. In the United States, Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of May every year. To determine the exact date for this year, we need to check the calendar for May.
For 2024, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12th. However, it’s essential to note that the date may vary depending on the country or region. Here’s a breakdown of when Mother’s Day is celebrated in different parts of the world:
- United States: Second Sunday in May (May 12, 2024)
- United Kingdom and Ireland: Fourth Sunday in Lent (Mothering Sunday) - typically in March (March 31, 2024)
- Mexico and many Latin American countries: May 10th (Día de las Madres)
- Thailand: August 12th (birthday of Queen Sirikit, mother of the current king)
- France: Last Sunday in May (unless it coincides with Pentecost, in which case it’s celebrated on the first Sunday in June)
To make the day special for mothers, people often plan ahead by:
- Gift-giving: Choosing thoughtful presents that show appreciation for their mother’s love and care.
- Family gatherings: Organizing family dinners or outings to spend quality time together.
- Personalized gestures: Creating handmade cards, writing heartfelt letters, or making videos expressing gratitude.
- Experiences: Planning activities or outings that the mother will enjoy, such as spa treatments, concerts, or outdoor events.
Mother's Day 2024 is on Sunday, May 12th in the United States. People celebrate by showing appreciation through gifts, family gatherings, and personalized gestures.
History and Significance of Mother’s Day
The modern celebration of Mother’s Day has its roots in the early 20th century in the United States. Anna Jarvis, an American social activist, campaigned for a national holiday to honor mothers after her own mother’s death in 1905. The first Mother’s Day was observed on May 10, 1908, at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where Anna Jarvis’s mother had taught Sunday school.
Over time, Mother’s Day gained popularity and became an officially recognized holiday in the United States in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
The celebration of Mother's Day has evolved to become a global phenomenon, with different cultures adapting the tradition to their unique customs and values.
Cultural Variations and Traditions
While the date and traditions surrounding Mother’s Day vary across cultures, the underlying theme remains the same: to honor and appreciate mothers for their love, care, and sacrifices.
In many countries, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to:
- Show gratitude through traditional gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, or jewelry
- Spend quality time with family and engage in activities that bring joy to mothers
- Reflect on the importance of motherhood and the role it plays in shaping society
What is the history behind Mother’s Day?
+Mother’s Day originated in the early 20th century in the United States, thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who campaigned for a national holiday to honor mothers. The first Mother’s Day was observed on May 10, 1908.
How is Mother’s Day celebrated in different countries?
+Mother’s Day is celebrated on various dates and with different traditions around the world. For example, in the UK and Ireland, it’s celebrated as Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday in Lent, while in Mexico and many Latin American countries, it’s observed on May 10th.
What are some thoughtful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day?
+Some ideas include giving personalized gifts, planning family gatherings or outings, creating handmade cards or videos, and treating mothers to experiences they’ll enjoy, such as spa treatments or concerts.
