As every year, the second Sunday in May — 12 May 2024 — is almost upon us: Mother's Day! It's the day to honour your mother, stepmother, foster mother or mother-in-law and put her in the spotlight. But what is the best way to do this? Where does Mother's Day come from? What else do you need to know about this special holiday? You can find out all this and more here!

Where does Mother's Day originate from?

You might think that Mother's Day has been celebrated for centuries because, after all, everyone has a mother. Yet that is not the case. Although the ancient Greeks celebrated motherhood and the mother goddess Rhea, they did not celebrate their own mothers at that time. In fact, Mother's Day only took on its current form when it was introduced in the US on the second Sunday in May in 1908 by Anna Marie Jarvis. In doing so, she fulfilled her deceased mother's wish for a day to honour all that mothers do and give them a break from their household duties.

As you might have guessed, the idea of Mother's Day was later brought to the Netherlands on the same day. It was first introduced in 1914 by the Salvation Army, but it only really took off in 1924 when the Dutch floriculture sector started to promote the day.

How is Mother's Day traditionally celebrated?

Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to spoil your mum even more than usual. In young families, children give gifts they have made themselves and recite heartfelt poems. Are you a bit older? Then you probably celebrate by doing something fun together and giving a gift. Taking your mother out for dinner is a great way to celebrate and it's traditional too: this way she doesn't have to cook or do the washing up, and she can fully enjoy her time with you. Make sure you book in advance: Mother's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants.

Why are flowers the most popular gift for Mother's Day?

Flowers are inextricably linked to Mother's Day. As we already indicated, it was the floriculture sector that put Mother's Day on the map in the Netherlands. That's why flowers for Mother's Day are now like Easter eggs at Easter: they belong together. And of course there is no mother who would not be happy with an auction-fresh bouquet full of wonderful scents and beautiful colors. Beautiful pink roses and spring bloomers such as hyacinths and ranunculus are also a beautiful symbol of tender love and fertility: you cannot give your mother a more beautiful gift.

Is it possible to have flowers delivered on Mother's Day?

That is certainly possible via our website! Delivery is normally not possible on Sundays and public holidays, but for a day as special as Mother's Day we are happy to make an exception. We have also put together the most special bouquets especially for Mother's Day, including nice extra treats such as chocolate and wine. If you want, you can now schedule a bouquet delivery for May 12!

Why is 'Mother's Day' capitalised, but 'Mother's Day gift' isn't?

It's simple: you always write official holidays with a capital letter and combinations of holidays with a lowercase letter. Remember that if you're going to write a poem for your mother later!

Is Mother's Day celebrated all over the world?

Mother's Day is celebrated in almost all countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia and, of course, Australia. After Christmas and Easter, it is the most widely celebrated holiday in the world! In most places, it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, but this is not the case everywhere. For example, Mother's Day is also celebrated on the second Sunday in May in Belgium, but not in Antwerp, where it is celebrated on the second Sunday in August, just like in Costa Rica. Norway celebrates Mother's Day in February. Is your mother from Luxembourg? Then you celebrate her day on the second Sunday in June!

More fun facts about mothers and Mother's Day

• After flowers, chocolate and jewelry are the most popular gifts for Mother's Day.
• Anna Marie Jarvis, the 'inventor' of Mother's Day, never had children of her own.
• The most frequent mother ever was Russian Valentina Vassijev: she had no fewer than 69 children.
• Just like our word 'mother', the word starts with an 'm' in almost all other languages.
• Mother's Day is the most frequently called of all days of the year.
• Every second, four new mothers are born worldwide.
• On average, sons spend more on Mother's Day gifts than daughters.

How are you spoiling your mother this year? With an auction-fresh bouquet, delicious chocolate or dinner in her favorite restaurant? Otherwise, just do it all! Order the most beautiful Mother's Day flowers with chocolate here, have it delivered on Mother's Day and then take her out for dinner. This way you give her a day she will never forget!