Mother's Day Celebrations in USA

Posted on : 9th March 2012
Mothers have always held a special place in our societal and family structures for thousands of years. Unlike fatherhood, which can be said to be an indirect relationship, motherhood is a natural and very strong bond between a mother and a child.

Mother's Day History in USA
In the United States of America the history of Mother's Day goes back to the late 19th century. The concept of observing Mother's Day as a day for peace was first suggested in the United Sates by Julia Ward Howe in 1872, this was right after the Franco Prussian War. Other names that can be associated with Mother's Day are Mary Towles Sasseen, Frank E. Hering, and Anna Jarvis.

Anna Jarvis was unmarried and was left alone with only her sister when her mother passed away in 1905. She realised the role that mothers play in our life and felt that we fail to recognise and appreciate our mothers enough when they are alive. This was how that Anna, with the help of some friends began a letter-writing campaign in support of observing a national Mother's Day holiday. She succeeded in reaching out to influential leaders of those times, like William Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, and John Wannamaker. This gave a much needed awareness to the idea.

It was this lady who first requested her mother's church in West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. Carnations, her mother's favourite flowers graced the occasion. In the next couple of years Mother's Day celebrations spread throughout the country to almost every state. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a joint resolution of Congress recommending that Congress and the executive branch of government recognize the observance of Mother's Day.

Mother's Day Around the World
Mother's Day, the day that celebrates mothers and the spirit of motherhood is now celebrated in around 40 countries of the world. There are many references that can be drawn to this celebration. As Mother's Day USA is celebrated in the second Sunday of May in other countries as well. These include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Japan, and Turkey.

Significance of Mother's Day Flowers
Mother's Day has, since its inception has had a very obvious affiliation with flowers. The tradition of giving flowers on Mother's Day is a reflection of our deep feelings for our mothers.

White carnations are the blossoms of choice on Mother's Day as they are symbolic of the sweetness, purity and endurance of a mother's love. Pink or red carnations have been considered the symbol of a living mother whereas white ones signify those mothers who have passed away.

Nature of Mother's Day Celebrations in USA
Mother's Day is a popular national holiday in the United States of America. Even so that the national flag is hoisted on every house and important buildings on the occasion of Mother's Day. Children make special meals for their mothers and relieve them of their motherly duties on this occasion. Get-to-gethers with members of the family and getaways for a day or couple of days are planned. Children also present skits, plays and song in their mother's honour.

Homemade cards, crafts and gifts are also given to mothers by some people. Those who do not feel so creative procure Mother's Day gifts and Mother's Day cards from the marketplaces. The day is to express gratitude and give respects to a mother's unconditional and selfless love for her children.