“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my mother.”
~Abraham Lincoln
A celebration of all mothers, Mother’s Day is observed in America on the second Sunday in May and on various other days in countries all around the world. It is reported that approximately 152 million Mother’s Day cards are sent in recognition of the occasion. Jewelry, flowers and cards are the most popular gifts. And, according to history.com, more telephone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year.
When and how did the tradition begin? In the U.S., the holiday began in the early 1900s, a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis following her mother’s death in 1905. The concept was to have a national day of observance to honor her mother’s work and the sacrifices all mothers make for their children. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill proclaiming the second Sunday in May as a legal holiday to be called Mother’s Day, stating that the holiday offered a chance to “express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”
They say “a mother’s work is never done” and there are many things you can do to celebrate your mom, make her day a little easier and more enjoyable. Serving her “breakfast in bed” is a classic way to show your appreciation, and giving her a “spa day” for pampering has become increasingly popular.
With the pandemic still in full swing in Michigan (and everywhere else, for that matter), many people may choose to celebrate Mother’s Day a little differently this year. Getting mom out of the kitchen and out to a nice meal at a restaurant has always been a special treat, but that might not be an option for some of us. You can always order takeout from mom’s favorite place, or fire up the grill at home and throw on some tasty steaks – as long as it keeps her out of the kitchen!
Did you know that the carnation is the official Mother’s Day flower? Here’s why: Shortly after her mother’s death, Anna Jarvis organized a memorial at her mother’s church in Grafton, WV. During the service, she distributed 500 white carnations (her mother’s favorite flower) to all the mothers in attendance. After President Wilson signed the Mother’s Day proclamation, the wearing of a white carnation became a tradition. Since then, pink and red varieties have also become popular. According to herebydesign.net, it is generally believed that pink carnations represent gratitude while red signifies admiration. White carnations are now reserved for honoring a mother who is no longer with us.
For me, Mother’s Day is about appreciating my children and grandchildren and all of the aspects of motherhood (good and bad). I can always expect to receive a beautiful hanging flower basket for my deck, and handmade cards from the grandkids, which I have saved over the years. The best thing about the day is spending it with my loved ones, which is far more important than a gift.
Mother’s Day 2020 was very hard – at the peak of the pandemic – and my daughter and grandkids met me in a parking lot where we exchanged gifts and smiles, but no hugs. I really missed the hugs! This year, I am fully vaccinated against COVID and will definitely share a hug … or one, or two or three.
I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all moms – grandmoms, stepmoms, new moms – enjoy your special day!
blanche / stock.adobe.com
