While mum is already a good enough reason to celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, 14 May, there are a ton of other things worth knowing about this happy holiday. For instance, did you know that the origins of Mother’s Day can be traced all the way back to the Greeks and Romans? No matter where you are in the world, Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate mums everywhere. So this year, impress mum with more than just a bouquet of flowers… tell her one of these interesting facts that she probably didn’t even know:
READ MORE:
10 Asian Recipes For Mum This Mother’s Day
10 Mother’s Day Flowers And The Special Meaning They Hold
10 Amazing Cakes To Bake For Mum On Mother’s Day
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.
READ MORE:
10 Beauty Gifts To Pamper Mum’s Skin And Keep Her Looking Beautiful
8 TV Shows That Can Help You Bond With Your Mum This Mother’s Day
12 Totally Free Mother’s Day Gift Ideas