Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 10. No doubt most of you are planning to buy your mother flowers, take her out to brunch, buy her some jewelry or, at the very least, send her a greeting card and/or give her a phone call. As you (and millions of others) celebrate this holiday, here are some facts about Mother’s Day history and practices to keep in mind:
- There are currently some 82.5 million mothers in the United States.
- Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis (1864-1948), the daughter of 19th Century social activist Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis. Anna’s mother died in 1905, and two years later she launched a campaign to create a holiday on the second Sunday in May to honor her, as well as all mothers throughout America for the contributions they make to their families and communities.
- Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914 via proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson. It immediately became a popular secular holiday celebrated nationwide.
- Jarvis was ultimately disgusted by the commercialization of Mother’s Day, especially the sending of greeting cards. “A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world!” she reportedly complained.
- The correct spelling of the holiday is “Mother’s Day,” not “Mothers Day.” It is a day that belongs to just one mother – yours.
- The National Restaurant Association reports that Mother’s Day is the year’s most popular day for dining out. (And not doing dishes!)
- It is also widely reported that more long-distance phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than on any other day of the year.
- Mother’s Day accounts for approximately 8.0% of the American jewelry industry’s annual revenues.
- Business research company IBISWorld reports that, this Mother’s Day, Americans will spend approximately $2.6 billion on flowers and $68 million on greeting cards.
- Motherhood is actually less popular than in years past. In 1976, 90% of women between the ages of 40 and 44 were mothers. Today, that number has dropped to 82 percent. (Source; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.)
Don’t forget your mother this Mother’s Day. And if you are a mother – have a great day. Remember, it’s yours!
