Mother's Day 2025: Date and Historical Roots
Rock on! Here's a fresh take on the topic:
Mother's Day: A Mashup Through Time
Original Beginnings
Mothers have been celebrated for centuries, even before the idea of a dedicated day! The ancient Greeks commemorated moms during religious ceremonies for the goddess Rhea, while the Romans honored matronas (translation: mother of the family) during the Matronalia festivals.
British-Style Tradition
In 16th century England, children returned to their home church, known as Mothering Sunday. This day, falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent, was an opportunity for kids to express their love and appreciation to their mothers. Fast forward, and Easter Sunday is when we enjoy a simnel cake — a yummy treat once offered to mothers on this day!
The American Way
Mother's Day was officially established in the United States by Anna Jarvis in 1914 to honor her deceased mother. It was the nation’s first holiday to honor a living person. Now, Americans celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May.
Spreading Across the Globe
Although Mother's Day is widely celebrated in Western countries, such as the US and Canada, the exact date varies. Spain and Latin America observe it on the first Sunday of May, and Russia on the last Sunday of November. Interestingly, Mother's Day takes place on August 12 in Thailand, a day dedicated to Queen Sirikit, the beloved "mother of all Thais."
France's Unique Take
In France, Mother's Day, officially known as Fête des Mères, is celebrated on the last Sunday of May. But, if Pentecost happens to fall on the same day, Mother's Day is moved to the first Sunday of June. This year, Mother's Day in France will be celebrated on June 1, 2025!
Gift-Giving Around the World
According to a 2024 survey, flowers are the most popular Mother's Day gifts among French mothers. Other cherished gifts include gift cards to favorite stores, personalized photo gifts, chocolates, and handmade presents[4]. On average, French people spend between 50 and 100 euros on Mother's Day gifts[4].
Sources:
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day#Origin_and_evolution
- history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day
- timeanddate.com/holidays/us/mothers-day
- franceinfo.fr/france/mere-3-elements-deco-idées-ee-offrir-a-sa-critique-le-jour-des-meres-en-bref-infographies
- chrono.leparisien.fr
Keywords:Mother's Day, history, celebration, France, United States, Spain, gifts, tradition, holiday
The appreciation for family-dynamics extends beyond borders, as seen in the diverse ways Mother's Day is celebrated worldwide. In France, where the Fête des Mères is celebrated, gift-giving often includes home-and-garden items, such as personalized photo gifts and popular items like flowers, chocolates, and gift cards to favorite stores, reflecting a blend of traditional relationships and modern lifestyle choices in real estate and consumerism.
