Mother’s Day Fun Facts

by

Over 100 fun facts about Mother’s Day for your enjoyment!

Mother’s Day is a holiday that is celebrated in many countries around the world to honor and appreciate mothers and motherhood. The holiday is typically observed on the second Sunday in May in the United States and in many other countries, although the date can vary depending on the country.

Mother’s Day is a day to recognize the important role that mothers play in our lives and to express gratitude and love to them for all that they do. The holiday is typically marked by giving gifts, spending time with family, and doing special things for mothers to show them how much they are appreciated.

To help you celebrate we’ve created this list of 101 fun facts about Mother’s Day:

Mother's Day Fun Facts


Table of Contents

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day – About Mother’s Day

The history of Mother’s Day goes back to ancient times when people celebrated the mother of the gods in spring festivals. However, the modern holiday of Mother’s Day has its roots in the United States, where it was first proposed by a woman named Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s.

Anna Jarvis began advocating for a national holiday to honor mothers after her own mother’s death in 1905. She wanted to create a day that would recognize the hard work and sacrifices that mothers make for their families, and she believed that a holiday could help strengthen family bonds and promote maternal love and respect.

After years of campaigning, Anna Jarvis’s efforts paid off, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation officially recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday in the United States. The holiday quickly gained popularity, and it began to be celebrated in other countries around the world as well.

Today, Mother’s Day is a global celebration that is recognized in dozens of countries, each with their own unique traditions and customs. However, the underlying theme of the holiday remains the same: to honor and appreciate the important role that mothers play in our lives and to express gratitude and love for all that they do.

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day – 101 Fun Facts

Here are 101 fun facts about Mother’s Day:

  1. Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in many countries around the world.
  2. The idea for a day to honor mothers dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans.
  3. The modern-day version of Mother’s Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1908.
  4. Anna Jarvis is credited with founding Mother’s Day in the U.S.
  5. Jarvis started Mother’s Day as a way to honor her mother, who had passed away.
  6. Jarvis wanted Mother’s Day to be a day to honor all mothers, living and deceased.
  7. The first official Mother’s Day proclamation was signed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914.
  8. In the U.S., Mother’s Day is the third-largest holiday in terms of consumer spending, after Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
  9. Approximately 122 million phone calls are made on Mother’s Day in the U.S.
  10. Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants in the U.S.
  11. The most popular gifts for Mother’s Day are flowers, greeting cards, and jewelry.
  12. According to a survey, 70% of people plan to buy their mother a gift for Mother’s Day.
  13. Approximately 25% of all flowers sold in the U.S. every year are purchased for Mother’s Day.
  14. The most popular flower for Mother’s Day is the carnation.
  15. In many countries, Mother’s Day is a public holiday.
  16. In some countries, such as Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on a different day of the year.
  17. Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates around the world.
  18. The modern holiday of Mother’s Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1908.
  19. Mother’s Day was inspired by the work of Anna Jarvis, who organized a memorial for her mother in 1908.
  20. The first official Mother’s Day proclamation was issued by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914.
  21. Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the United States.
  22. Mother’s Day is the third most popular holiday after Christmas and Easter.
  23. In the UK, Mother’s Day is also known as Mothering Sunday.
  24. The date of Mothering Sunday in the UK is determined by the liturgical calendar and falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
  25. In some countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on International Women’s Day, which is March 8th.
  26. Mother’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States.
  27. Mother’s Day is a federal holiday in Mexico.
  28. Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 40 countries around the world.
  29. The most popular gift for Mother’s Day is flowers.
  30. In the United States, more than 130 million Mother’s Day cards are sent each year.
  31. Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants.
  32. In the United States, more than 80% of adults celebrate Mother’s Day.
  33. The most common gifts for Mother’s Day are cards, flowers, and meals.
  34. The average amount spent on Mother’s Day gifts in the United States is $205.
  35. The most popular flowers for Mother’s Day are roses, carnations, and lilies.
  36. The idea for Mother’s Day originally came from the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele.
  37. Mother’s Day was originally called “Mother’s Work Day” and was meant to honor the hard work of mothers.
  38. In some countries, Mother’s Day is a day for children to honor their mothers.
  39. In some countries, Mother’s Day is a day for women to celebrate their own womanhood and achievements.
  40. In the United States, Mother’s Day became a commercial holiday by the 1920s.
  41. Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day, became disillusioned with the holiday’s commercialization and spent the rest of her life trying to end it.
  42. The official flower of Mother’s Day is the carnation.
  43. The color of the carnation represents different things: pink for gratitude, white for purity, and red for love.
  44. In some countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the same day as Father’s Day.
  45. In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th every year.
  46. In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
  47. Mother’s Day is a popular day for phone calls, with more than 122 million phone calls made in the United States.
  48. The most popular day to take Mom out to eat is Mother’s Day.
  49. Mother’s Day spending in the United States is expected to reach $28 billion in 2021.
  50. In Vietnam, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the tenth day of the third lunar month.
  51. The earliest known celebration of a mother can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where the goddess Isis was worshipped as the mother of pharaohs.
  52. The first Mother’s Day in the United States was celebrated at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia.
  53. Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day, was never a mother herself.
  54. Anna Jarvis was inspired to create Mother’s Day by the death of her own mother.
  55. The original Mother’s Day proclamation called for the day to be a time for “public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”
  56. Anna Jarvis opposed the use of the apostrophe in “Mother’s Day,” believing that the holiday was meant to honor all mothers, not just one’s own.
  57. In the 1920s, Anna Jarvis became so opposed to the commercialization of Mother’s Day that she was arrested for disturbing the peace at a candy makers’ convention.
  58. Anna Jarvis died penniless and alone in a sanitarium in 1948.
  59. In the United States, Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914, but it took until 1972 for Father’s Day to be recognized as a national holiday.
  60. Mother’s Day is a public holiday in Albania, where it is celebrated on March 8th.
  61. In some countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated with a family picnic.
  62. In some countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated with a family picnic.
  63. In some countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated with a special cake or dessert.
  64. In some countries, it is traditional to give red carnations to mothers on Mother’s Day.
  65. In some countries, it is traditional to give white carnations to mothers who have passed away.
  66. In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th every year, and it is known as “Día de las Madres.”
  67. In Spain, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May, and it is known as “Día de la Madre.”
  68. In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, and it is known as “Mothering Sunday.”
  69. In the United States, it is estimated that $25 billion is spent on Mother’s Day each year.
  70. In the United States, it is estimated that over 122 million phone calls are made on Mother’s Day.
  71. In the United States, it is estimated that over 14 billion dollars is spent on gifts for mothers on Mother’s Day.
  72. In the United States, the most popular Mother’s Day gift is flowers.
  73. In the United States, the second most popular Mother’s Day gift is a greeting card.
  74. In the United States, the third most popular Mother’s Day gift is a special outing, such as a brunch or dinner.
  75. In the United States, it is estimated that over 50% of all Mother’s Day cards are purchased in the week leading up to the holiday.
  76. In the United States, it is estimated that 23% of all Mother’s Day cards are purchased by children for their mothers.
  77. In the United States, it is estimated that 69% of all Mother’s Day gifts are purchased by women.
  78. In the United States, the most popular day of the week to celebrate Mother’s Day is Sunday.
  79. In the United States, the least popular day of the week to celebrate Mother’s Day is Monday.
  80. In the United States, it is estimated that 96% of all Americans celebrate Mother’s Day in some way.
  81. In the United States, it is estimated that over 70% of all Americans send a Mother’s Day card.
  82. In the United States, it is estimated that over 80% of all Americans celebrate Mother’s Day with a phone call.
  83. In the United States, it is estimated that over 90% of all Americans celebrate Mother’s Day with a gift.
  84. In the United States, it is estimated that over 60% of all Americans celebrate Mother’s Day with a special outing.
  85. In the United States, it is estimated that over 40% of all Americans celebrate Mother’s Day with a special meal.
  86. In the United States, it is estimated that over 25% of all Americans celebrate Mother’s Day by attending a church service.
  87. In the United States, Mother’s Day is the third largest card-sending holiday, after Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
  88. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation officially establishing Mother’s Day as a national holiday in the United States.
  89. The International Mother’s Day Shrine is located in Grafton, West Virginia, and is the official Mother’s Day shrine in the United States.
  90. In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12th every year, which is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the mother of the current king.
  91. In Nepal, Mother’s Day is celebrated in the month of Baisakh (April/May) every year, and it is known as “Aama ko mukh herne din,” which means “day to see the mother’s face.”
  92. In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated in mid-fall, and it is known as “Antrosht,” which means “family.”
  93. In Brazil, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, and it is known as “Dia das Mães.”
  94. In Italy, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, and it is known as “La Festa della Mamma.”
  95. In Portugal, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May, and it is known as “Dia da Mãe.”
  96. In France, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of May, or the first Sunday of June if it coincides with Pentecost.
  97. In Germany, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, and it is known as “Muttertag.”
  98. In Sweden, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of May, and it is known as “Mors dag.”
  99. In South Africa, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
  100. In China, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, and it is known as “Muqin Jie.”
  101. In Cuba, Mother’s Day is not an official holiday, but it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day – 10 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 10 fun facts about Mother’s Day that would be great for kids:

  1. Mother’s Day was first celebrated in ancient Greece, where people would honor the mother of the gods, Rhea.
  2. In the early 1900s, a woman named Anna Jarvis worked to make Mother’s Day an official holiday in the United States.
  3. The most popular Mother’s Day gift is flowers, especially roses and carnations.
  4. The tradition of giving a present to your mother on Mother’s Day goes back to the 16th century in England.
  5. Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates around the world, depending on the country.
  6. In some countries, such as Mexico and Spain, Mother’s Day is celebrated on December 8th to honor the Virgin Mary.
  7. In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12th, which is also the birthday of the current queen.
  8. Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 40 countries around the world.
  9. In the United States, more phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year.
  10. The most important thing you can do on Mother’s Day is to show your mom how much you love and appreciate her!

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day – Mother’s Day Legends

There are many legends and stories associated with Mother’s Day. Here are a few examples:

In Greek mythology, the mother of all gods, Rhea, was celebrated during a spring festival, which is thought to have influenced the modern celebration of Mother’s Day.

According to a medieval legend, a poor woman named Anna lived in a village in Europe and was known for her kindness and generosity. After she died, the villagers began to celebrate her on a special day each year as a way of honoring her memory.

In the 1600s, the British celebrated a holiday called “Mothering Sunday,” which was a day when people would return to their hometowns to visit their mothers and bring them gifts. This tradition is thought to have influenced the modern celebration of Mother’s Day.

In the United States, the official Mother’s Day holiday was created in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson, in response to a campaign by a woman named Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her own mother and all mothers.

While these stories and legends may vary in their details, they all share a common theme of honoring and celebrating mothers for their love and sacrifice.

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day – Mother’s Day Traditions

Mother’s Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world, and there are many different traditions associated with the holiday. Here are some common traditions that are often observed on Mother’s Day:

Gift-giving: One of the most popular Mother’s Day traditions is to give gifts to mothers, such as flowers, cards, or special items that are meaningful to the mother.

Family gatherings: Many families choose to spend Mother’s Day together by having a meal, going on a picnic, or taking part in other activities that the mother enjoys.

Special meals: Some families prepare a special meal for the mother on Mother’s Day, such as breakfast in bed or a special dinner.

Phone calls and messages: For those who cannot be with their mothers on Mother’s Day, it is common to send phone calls, text messages, or cards to express love and appreciation.

Public events: Many cities and towns hold public events to celebrate Mother’s Day, such as parades, concerts, or festivals.

Charitable giving: In some countries, it is traditional to make charitable donations or perform acts of service in honor of mothers.

Religious observances: In some cultures, Mother’s Day is observed as a religious holiday, with special services or rituals taking place.

While Mother’s Day traditions can vary from country to country and even from family to family, the underlying goal of the holiday is to show appreciation and love for the mothers in our lives.

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day – Mother’s Day Traditions Around the World

Mother’s Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world, with each country having its own unique traditions and customs. Here are some examples of how Mother’s Day is celebrated differently in different countries:

United States: In the US, Mother’s Day is typically celebrated on the second Sunday in May, and it is customary to give mothers gifts, such as flowers, cards, or chocolates.

United Kingdom: Mother’s Day in the UK is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, and it is traditional to give mothers flowers, cards, or other small gifts.

Mexico: In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10, and it is customary to give mothers flowers, as well as to participate in parades and other public celebrations.

Japan: In Japan, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, and it is traditional to give mothers carnations, as well as to take them out for a meal.

Ethiopia: In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is part of a larger three-day celebration called Antrosht, which takes place in the fall and involves feasting, dancing, and singing.

Thailand: In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12, which is the birthday of Queen Sirikit. It is traditional to give mothers jasmine flowers, as well as to participate in public celebrations.

Argentina: In Argentina, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in October, and it is traditional to give mothers gifts and to participate in family gatherings.

These are just a few examples of the different ways that Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world. Each country has its own unique traditions and customs, but the underlying goal is always to honor and show appreciation for the important role that mothers play in our lives.

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day – Mother’s Day Riddles

Here are some Mother’s Day riddles:

What did the mommy cow say to the baby cow on Mother’s Day?

Answer: “You make my heart moo-ve!”

Why did the tomato turn red on Mother’s Day?

Answer: Because it saw its mom sauce!

What did the mother bird say to her baby bird on Mother’s Day?

Answer: “You are tweet and lovely!”

What did the mother plant say to her baby plant on Mother’s Day?

Answer: “I love you a bushel and a peck!”

What did the mommy bee say to her baby bee on Mother’s Day?

Answer: “Bee-hive yourself and have a honey of a day!”

Fun Facts About Mother’s Day – Mother’s Day Symbols

there are a number of symbols that are commonly associated with Mother’s Day. Here are a few examples:

Flowers: Flowers, especially roses and carnations, are often given as gifts on Mother’s Day. Pink and red roses are popular choices, while carnations are sometimes worn to symbolize one’s love for their mother.

Heart: The heart is a common symbol of love, and it is often used on Mother’s Day cards and gifts.

Family tree: The family tree is a popular symbol for Mother’s Day, representing the importance of family and the maternal role in maintaining family ties.

Butterfly: Butterflies are often seen as a symbol of transformation and renewal, making them a fitting symbol for Mother’s Day, which celebrates the transformative role of mothers in the lives of their children.

Bird’s nest: The bird’s nest is a symbol of motherhood, as it represents the nurturing and protective environment that a mother provides for her young.

Angel: The angel is a symbol of love, guidance, and protection, making it a fitting symbol for Mother’s Day, when we honor the love and guidance that our mothers provide.

These are just a few examples of the symbols that are commonly associated with Mother’s Day. Each symbol represents a different aspect of motherhood and the maternal role in our lives.

Check out These Fun Facts for Other Holidays

President’s Day, Mardi Gras, Day Light Savings Day, St. Patrick’s Day, April Fools Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Arbor Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, D-Day, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot Day, Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Years Day, Groundhog Day


Mother's Day Fun Facts