Across languages, most words for “mother” start with the letter M. Spanish: “Madre,” “Mama” or “Mami”, Swahili: “Mama,” “Mzazi” or “Mzaa”, Swedish: “Mamma,” “Mor” or “Morsa”. Who knew!

The first recorded celebration of mothers dates back to ancient Greece, as they put on a spring festival that was dedicated to Rhea, the Mother of gods.

We all have Anna Jarvis to thank for the modern Mother’s Day celebrations. As a caring daughter, she wanted to do something special to honour her deceased mum and started a letter writing campaign. In 1914, US Congress granted her wish.

We bet you didn’t know that Mother’s Day has other names attributed to the day, did you? You can celebrate Mothering Day, Refreshment Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday, Simnel Sunday, Rose Sunday and, our favourite, Pudding Pie Sunday.

Mother’s Day used to be celebrated by attending church and writing heartfelt letters to our Mothers. Over time we started presenting our loveable mums with cards, presents, flowers and cakes, and they are now part of the annual tradition.

In the US alone, approximately 141 million cards are given to mothers across the country on an annual basis. When you multiply that to include the rest of the world…phew, think of the trees!

More people purchase fresh flowers or plants on Mother’s Day than any other holiday, except Christmas. It reportedly accounts for more than 25 percent of all flowers and plant sales worldwide!

In what was formerly Yugoslavia, children would tie up their mother on Mother’s Day. The only way she could get free would be to pay her children with treats.

Between 15 and 18 percent of people don’t give their moms anything on the big day. This isn’t based on gender but research shows sons ($105) tend to spend more than daughters ($62) when it comes to gifts for their mums.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 50 countries, but not all on the second Sunday in May. For example, India has a ten-day Mother’s Day celebration in October.

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