Mother’s Day is a special holiday celebrated in many countries around the world to honor the most important women in our lives – our mothers. In the United States, Mother’s Day is right around the corner, falling on May 11 this year. As we prepare to celebrate this special day, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about this beloved holiday.
1. The Origins of Mother’s Day
The modern Mother’s Day we celebrate today has its roots in the United States, dating back to the early 20th century. It was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in West Virginia. She then began a campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday in the United States, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
2. Flowers are the Most Popular Gift
When it comes to gifts for Mother’s Day, flowers reign supreme. It is estimated that around 69% of people in the United States will buy flowers for their mothers on this special day. And the most popular flower? You guessed it – the beautiful and timeless rose.
3. Mother’s Day is the Busiest Day for Restaurants
On Mother’s Day, restaurants all over the country are filled with families treating their mothers to a special meal. In fact, it is the busiest day of the year for restaurants, with an estimated 87 million adults dining out on this day. So if you plan on taking your mom out for a nice meal, make sure to make a reservation well in advance!
4. Mother’s Day is Celebrated in Over 40 Countries
While Mother’s Day may have originated in the United States, it is now celebrated in over 40 countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, India, and Japan. While the dates may vary, the sentiment remains the same – to show our appreciation and love for our mothers.
5. The Most Common Gift for Mothers
Aside from flowers, what do people typically give their mothers on this special day? According to a survey, the most common gifts for mothers are greeting cards (80%), special outings (67%), and gift cards (41%). Other popular gifts include jewelry, clothing, and spa treatments.
6. The Most Popular Month for Birthdays
It may come as no surprise that September is the most popular month for birthdays in the United States. Why? Well, you can thank Mother’s Day for that. It is estimated that more babies are born in September than any other month, due to couples celebrating Mother’s Day in May and then conceiving shortly after.
7. The Most Expensive Mother’s Day Gift
If you have some extra cash to splurge on your mother, you may want to consider the most expensive Mother’s Day gift ever given. In 2012, a wealthy businessman in Singapore spent a whopping $72 million on a rare blue diamond ring for his mother. Now that’s some serious love and appreciation!
8. The Most Popular Mother’s Day Activity
While some may choose to spend Mother’s Day relaxing at home, the most popular activity for this holiday is going out to eat. It is estimated that 49% of people will treat their mothers to a meal at a restaurant, followed by spending quality time with family (37%) and buying gifts (34%).
9. Mother’s Day is the Third Largest Retail Holiday
After Christmas and Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day is the third largest retail holiday in the United States. It is estimated that Americans will spend around $25 billion on Mother’s Day this year, with an average of $196 spent per person.
10. The Symbol of Mother’s Day
The carnation is the official flower of Mother’s Day, chosen by Anna Jarvis because it was her mother’s favorite flower. She also believed that the white carnation symbolized the purity and strength of a mother’s love, while the pink carnation represented gratitude.
As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s remember to show our appreciation and love for the amazing women in our lives. Whether it’s through gifts, quality time, or simply saying “thank you,” let’s make sure our mothers feel extra special on this day. Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there!
