Like every year, this second Sunday of May, or May 12, 2024, is that time again: Mother's Day! This is the day to honor your (step-in-law/step-in-law/foster) mother and put her in the spotlight. But what is the best way to do this? Where does Mother's Day come from? And what else do you need to know about this special holiday? You can discover that and more here!
Where does Mother's Day come from?
You might think that Mother's Day has been celebrated for centuries, because even in the Middle Ages everyone had a mother. Yet that is not the case. Although the ancient Greeks already celebrated motherhood (and the mother goddess Rhea), the Greeks did not put their own mother in the spotlight at that time. No, Mother's Day only became a thing in its current form when it was introduced in the US on the second Sunday of May in 1908 by Anna Marie Jarvis. With this she fulfilled her deceased mother's wish: a 'Mothers day' especially to honor everything that mothers do and to relieve her for one day of her heavy task in the household.
And you probably guessed it: later this idea of Mother's Day was brought to the Netherlands on exactly the same day. First in 1914, by the Salvation Army, but it only really became a success in 1924, when the Dutch floriculture sector started to promote the day.
What is the traditional way to celebrate Mother's Day?
Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to spoil your mother - even more than the rest of the year. In young families, children give gifts they have made themselves and read loving poems. Are you a bit older? Then you usually celebrate Mother's Day by doing something fun together and giving a present. Taking your mother out for dinner is great fun and also in the spirit of tradition: this way she doesn't have to cook and do the dishes herself and she can fully enjoy her time with you. Make sure you reserve on time: Mother's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants.
Why are flowers the most popular Mother's Day gift?
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.
Can I 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 capitalized and Mother's Day Gift not?
Simple: because you always write official holidays with a capital letter, and combinations of holidays with a lower case letter. Don't forget if you are going to write a poem for your mother later!
Is Mother's Day celebrated all over the world?
Mother's Day is not only celebrated in the Netherlands, but in almost all countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia and of course Australia. It is the most celebrated holiday in the world after Christmas and Easter! In most places, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, just like ours celebrated, but this is not the case everywhere. For example, in Belgium, Mother's Day is also on the second Sunday of May, but not in Antwerp: there it is on the second Sunday of August, just like in Costa Rica. Norway already celebrates Mother's Day in February and is your mother from Luxembourg? Then you celebrate her day on the second Sunday of 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!
