Mother’s Day is one of the most heartfelt holidays celebrated across the globe. It’s a day where people take a moment to recognize and honor the women who raised them, supported them, and shaped them into who they are. While flowers, cards, and breakfasts in bed are standard traditions, there’s more to Mother’s Day than meets the eye. Here are five well-known facts about this special day that highlight its significance and global reach.

1. Mother’s Day Originated in the United States
Although honoring mothers can be traced back to ancient times, the modern version of Mother’s Day began in the early 20th century in the United States. It was founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908, who wanted to honor her own mother’s sacrifices and express gratitude for mothers everywhere. Jarvis held the first official celebration at a church in Grafton, West Virginia. By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, making it a national holiday.

2. It’s Celebrated in Over 100 Countries
While Mother’s Day began in the U.S., it’s now celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide, though not always on the same date. For instance, the U.K. celebrates Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent, and in Thailand, it falls on August 12th, the birthday of Queen Sirikit. Despite the differences in dates and customs, the heart of the celebration remains the same—honoring and appreciating mothers.

3. It’s One of the Busiest Days for Phone Calls
On Mother’s Day, phone lines around the world light up. It is one of the most popular days of the year for phone calls, as children reach out to connect with their mothers if they can’t be there in person. According to telecommunications companies, call volume can spike by as much as 37% on Mother’s Day, showing just how much people value this opportunity to connect and express their love.

4. Florists and Restaurants Thrive on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is one of the biggest spending holidays of the year, with billions spent on gifts, cards, meals, and flowers. It’s especially significant for florists—around 25% of all flowers purchased throughout the year are bought for Mother’s Day. Restaurants also report a surge in business, with Mother’s Day often being their busiest day, thanks to families treating mom to brunch or dinner.

5. The Founder Later Opposed Its Commercialization
Ironically, Anna Jarvis, who created Mother’s Day to promote heartfelt gratitude, later became disillusioned with how commercial the holiday became. She spent the later years of her life campaigning against companies that profited from the holiday. She believed the true essence of the day was being lost in the flood of store-bought cards and gifts, preferring handwritten notes and personal gestures of appreciation.

In Conclusion

Mother’s Day is more than just a tradition—it’s a powerful reminder of the love, strength, and sacrifices that mothers offer every day. Whether it’s through a simple phone call, a home-cooked meal, or a heartfelt letter, taking the time to show appreciation makes all the difference. After all, celebrating mom is always in style.