Mother’s day is designed to honor the influence that moms have had not only in our personal lives but society as well. In the U.S. and Canada, it’s always the second Sunday of the month but is celebrated throughout the world on various dates. In the majority of the world’s languages, the word for “mother” begins with the letter “M.”
9 – Fun Facts About Mother’s Day
#9 - White Vs Color Carnations
[Anna Jarvis] (1864-1948) started this tradition. Three years after her mother died, she held a memorial ceremony to honor her mother and all other mothers.
- Colored carnations signify that a person’s mother is [living];
- A white carnation means that the person’s mother is [deceased].
#8 - We Spend A Lot Of Money On Moms
The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that in 2018, we’ll spend $23.1 billion on our moms. The average amount spent is $180. Seventy-seven percent give cards, 69% buy flowers, and 55% take their moms out to eat. But giving jewelry wins hands down. An estimated $4.6 billion is spent.
#7 - Ancient Greeks And Romans Celebrated (Kind Of)
Rhea was the maternal goddess in ancient Greece. She was the wife of Cronus and believed to be the mother of many gods and goddesses. Many spring festivals were held in her honor.
Similarly, ancient Romans celebrated a spring festival called Hilaria. It was held in honor of a mother goddess called Cybele on the Ides of March. On this day, parties were held and, offerings were made at the temple. The festival lasted 3 days.
#6 - Mothering Day In England
In the 1600’s, Mothering Day was held on the 4th Sunday of Lent. After a prayer service in honor of the Virgin Mary. Afterward, children would present their moms with flowers.
#5 - Giving Flowers Is Believed To Have Health Benefits
Studies show that giving bouquets of flowers have many positive psychological and health benefits. In the Harvard study, people reported feeling happier and more compassionate around fresh-cut flowers.
#4 - Mr. Rogers And His Special Sweaters
Many of Mr. Rogers’ sweaters were knitted by his mom!
#3 - Mother’s Day Cards
- Women purchase 80% of all Mother’s Day cards;
- Approximately 65% of all card purchase occur in the last 5 days before Mother’s Day
#2 - We’re On The Phone
In just the U.S. approximately 122 million phone calls are made to moms on their special day.
#1 - Mother’s Day Is The Third Most Popular Day In The World
It comes in only after Christmas and Easter.
We sure love our moms!
