Mother’s Day is celebrated annually around the world, honoring the love and sacrifices of mothers, and this year, it falls on May 11, 2025. The origins of this special day can be traced back to a woman named Anna Jarvis, who, in the early 20th century, sought to commemorate her mother, Ann Jarvis, an activist who cared for injured soldiers during the American Civil War. In 1907, Anna held a memorial service at her mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia, which sparked a campaign for a national holiday dedicated to mothers.
By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed an executive order proclaiming the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, which has since become a significant occasion in the United States. Initially, the holiday involved the distribution of white carnations, Ann Jarvis’s favorite flower, but over time, the tradition evolved into giving cards, flowers, and gifts. Ironically, Anna Jarvis later became disenchanted with the commercialization of Mother’s Day and even fought to have it abolished.
Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in around 100 countries, with varying customs and dates. For instance, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday, is observed on the fourth Sunday in Lent, which this year was on March 10. Next year, it will be celebrated on March 30. This tradition has its roots in the Middle Ages when Christians would visit their mother church, and it gradually morphed into a day for honoring mothers.
In Panama, Mother’s Day coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8. Meanwhile, Bolivia marks the occasion on May 27 to honor the Heroínas de la Coronilla, a group of women who fought in the Battle of Pocona during the Bolivian War of Independence in 1812. Thailand celebrates Mother’s Day on August 12, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, revered as the “Mother of the Land.”
Interestingly, some countries choose to align their Mother’s Day celebrations with International Women’s Day on March 8, including nations like Albania, Armenia, and Russia. In France, Mother’s Day, or Fête des Mères, is celebrated on the last Sunday in May, but if it coincides with Pentecost, it is moved to the first Sunday in June. The law establishing this celebration was enacted by President Vincent Auriol in 1950.
As families across the globe prepare to honor their mothers, many are looking to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver for inspiration on how to celebrate in style. Known for his simple and delicious recipes, Oliver has shared his thoughts on the perfect Mother’s Day menu. This year, he plans to celebrate his wife, Jools, alongside their five children.
Oliver emphasizes the importance of cooking something heartfelt for mothers on their special day. “I think on Mother's Day, it's just nice to cook her anything,” he says. He suggests that breakfast is a great way to start the day, and he includes his children in the preparation to make it even more special. “You make it all nice with flowers. Kids do all the little, you know, cards and stuff. I think just making it sentimental is the way to go,” he adds.
For his wife, Oliver prepares a breakfast tray filled with her favorite foods, which may include crunchy savory pancakes, avocado, smoked salmon, and fresh salsas. He believes that personal touches, like flowers and heartfelt cards from the kids, add to the significance of the day. “My wife always loves crunchy savory pancakes, avocado, smoked salmon, and fresh, little salsas,” he notes.
As families navigate the complexities of celebrating motherhood, social media has become a platform for sharing both heartfelt sentiments and humorous observations about the differences between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Many parents have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts, often highlighting the contrasting expectations for each holiday.
One tweet humorously points out that while dads want to spend time with the family on Father’s Day, moms often prefer a day of solitude, saying, “Moms on Mother's Day: Can everyone just not talk to me today or touch me.” Another tweet jokes about the disparity in gifts, noting that while mothers are pampered with breakfast in bed, fathers are expected to grill and do yard work.
These lighthearted comparisons reflect the unique dynamics of family life and the different ways parents are celebrated. Despite the jokes, the underlying theme remains the same: both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day serve as opportunities to honor the sacrifices and love that parents provide throughout the year.
As May 11 approaches, families will gather to celebrate the mothers in their lives, whether through heartfelt gestures, shared meals, or simply taking a moment to express gratitude. In a world that can often feel hectic, Mother’s Day serves as a reminder to pause and appreciate the unwavering love and dedication of mothers everywhere.
From the historical roots of the holiday to contemporary celebrations and humorous social media reflections, Mother’s Day continues to evolve while maintaining its core purpose: honoring the profound bond between mothers and their children. As we celebrate this year, let’s remember to cherish the moments that make motherhood so special.
