Mother’s Day: Quotes, Celebration, History & Famous Mothers

Mother's Day is an special day where one celebrates mothers, motherhood, and all the wonderful things that mothers do for their families and for society at large. Celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May in many countries around the world, this is a day where people show their love and appreciation for their moms.

The modern celebration of Mother's Day has its roots in the work of Anna Jarvis, who organized a memorial ceremony for her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis in West Virginia in 1908. Thanks to her efforts, Mother's Day became an official US holiday in 1914.

This day is much more than flowers and presents. Mother's Day is a reminder that people need to appreciate all of the emotional, social and, unfortunately, often unpaid work that mothers do. Mothers not only raise children but make contributions to communities as well. In essence, Mother's Day is a celebration that tells everyone to remember to be thankful to their mothers every day.

Mother's Day has been quite popular in India where mothers are honored with love, admiration and affection. People usually observe the day by spending quality time with families, arranging delicious food, presenting flowers, cards or gifts, and making small arrangements. In addition, children often engage themselves in activities like drawings, poems and handmade cards that they present to their mothers at school events.

In Indian culture, Mother's Day is quite significant due to the high importance of family values, parental respect and maternal virtues. The day has become a bit popular with the passage of time owing to the increased exposure of schools, media and social forums. But now Mother's Day is not just a commercial event but a day to appreciate the hard work of mothers.

The Mother's Day campaign originated in the United States during the first few decades of the 20th century. The background of Mother's Day is intrinsically linked to the name Anna Jarvis, who strove to create a dedicated day that would pay tribute to mothers.

Anna Jarvis organized a memorial celebration in memory of her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, on 10 May 1908 in St. Andrew's Methodist Church of Grafton, West Virginia. It should be noted that Ann Reeves Jarvis devoted herself to community work and organized Mothers' Day Work Clubs to improve health and sanitation.

She campaigned vigorously for the recognition of Mother's Day as a holiday. In 1910, West Virginia made the holiday official, and later the other states did likewise. Mother's Day was set officially by an act of the U.S. Congress on 8 May 1914, and President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it the next day.

Later on, Anna Jarvis promoted the observance of Mother's Day throughout the world. Now Mother's Day is celebrated in many countries around the globe with local traditions being established. Moreover, the white carnation gained popularity because of Anna Jarvis's efforts to honour her mother.

• 1. Marie Curie — Marie Curie is both an exemplary scientist and a caring mother of two daughters -- Irène and Ève. In spite of numerous personal misfortunes and hard scientific work, Marie continued to conduct research in the field of radioactivity and raised her children at the same time. Irène, who was Marie's daughter, became a Nobel prize winning scientist later on and continued the outstanding scientific tradition of the Curie family.
• 2. Indira Gandhi — Indira Gandhi, the 1st female Prime Minister of India, is another example of a successful woman who is not only a political leader but also a good mother. She is the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru and the mother of Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi. Indira's personality is full of determination, courage and public service and is considered to be one of the most influential personalities in India's history.
• 3. Ann Reeves Jarvis — Ann Reeves Jarvis is a famous social activist who contributed greatly into the development of Mother's Day tradition. Organizing Mothers' Day Work Clubs and helping wounded soldiers during American Civil War were the deeds of her that inspired her daughter to establish Mother's Day tradition.
• 4. Mother Teresa — Mother Teresa spent her life looking after the sick and destitute people around her. Even though she didn't give birth to children, Mother Teresa turned out to be a loving parent to millions of people because of her kindness. She started the Missionaries of Charity and was awarded the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize.
• 5. Rosa Parks — Rosa Parks became an epitome of courage when she refused to vacate her seat on the segregated bus in Montgomery in 1955. It was a pivotal point in the development of the American civil rights movement. Rosa Parks is known as "the mother of the modern-day civil rights movement."

On which day does Mother's Day fall?

Mother's Day is observed on the second Sunday of May in India and other countries. The exact date varies every year because it comes according to the calendar.

What is the reason behind the celebration of Mother's Day?

Mother's Day is celebrated in order to pay homage to mothers and motherhood for their love, sacrifices, support, guidance, and invaluable contribution to their families and society.

Who is responsible for the foundation of Mother's Day?

Mother's Day is believed to be founded by Anna Jarvis in honor of her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis.

Why do people celebrate Mother's Day in May?

People celebrate Mother's Day in May because Anna Jarvis made an effort to make the second Sunday of May as the Mother's Day. It was recognized as a national holiday in 1914 in the United States.

How do people celebrate Mother's Day in India?

On the occasion of Mother's Day, families in India spend quality time together, exchange greetings, cards, gifts, prepare delicious dishes, share messages, and arrange events at schools.