Do you know why we give carnations on Mother’s Day? Where did Mother's Day originate? In fact, apart from the second Sunday in May, there are still many different customs for celebrating Mother’s Day in the world -

"Mother's Day" first originated in ancient Greece, while Mother's Day in the modern sense originated in the United States, advocated by a woman named Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) and founded by her daughter.

n 1876, the United States mourned the dead of the Civil War. Mrs. Anna Jarvis, then the Sunday school director of the Grafton City Church in the United States, taught a course on Memorial Day in the chapel. After telling the stories of the heroes who died in the battle, she prayed: " I hope that somewhere, at some time, someone will create a Mother’s Day to commemorate and praise mothers in the United States and around the world.”

Mrs. Jarvis passed away at the age of 72. At that time, her 41-year-old daughter Anna Jarvis was determined to create a Mother's Day to fulfill her mother's wish that she had prayed for many years ago. She wrote dozens of letters and sent them to the US Congress, local governors and women's organizations, proposing the creation of Mother's Day. After her repeated appeals, the proposal received widespread response and support from the society.

In 1914, U.S. President Wilson solemnly declared that the second Sunday of May each year, the anniversary of the death of Mrs. Jarvis, would be designated as Mother's Day. Because Mrs. Jarvis loved carnations during her lifetime, this flower became a symbol of Mother's Day.

 The Origin and Creation of Mother’s Day：Mother's Day, initiated by Mrs. Jarvis and her daughter, has now developed into an international holiday and is recognized by more than 40 countries. However, in different countries and regions of the world, people also have their own Mother's Day and various customs.

Greece: "Women Take Over Day"：In addition, in Greece, December 31st, the second day of New Year’s Eve every year, is the “housewife’s day off”. Women leave their housework behind and enjoy eating, drinking and having fun.

France: "Noodle Necklace"：In the mid-seventeenth century, Mother's Day spread to England. The English designate the fourth Sunday of Lent (the forty days before Easter Eve, except Sunday) as Mothering Sunday.Children who are away from home will return home on Mother's Day with special Mother's Day cakes, flowers, greeting cards and other small gifts to reunite with their mothers and spend this wonderful holiday together.

The French celebrate Mother's Day since the city of Lyon first established "Mother's Day" in 1918.At that time, "excellent mothers" who performed outstandingly in family work would be commended by the president.

France: "Noodle Necklace"：In 1920, France, which had been baptized by World War I, renamed "Mother's Day" to "Big Family Mother's Day" in order to encourage childbirth. Mothers from large families who gave birth to many children would receive special donations from the "Contribution to Increase the Population of the Republic" fundraiser. award. Later, the French authorities officially named this day Mother's Day. From 1941, regardless of the number of children, all mothers will receive national awards on Mother's Day.

Thailand: "Selection of Outstanding Mothers"：On this day, schools and institutions in Thailand will have a holiday, and then "outstanding mothers" will be selected. The winning mothers will receive jasmine flowers presented by thousands of children.

South Korea: "Parents' Day"：Although Mother's Day celebrated in South Korea is recognized around the world as the second Sunday in May, people do not forget to express their gratitude to their fathers whenever they express their nurturing grace to their mothers. For this reason, since 1973, this day has been officially changed to "Parents' Day" and has become a very important holiday in South Korea.

Arabia: Vernal Equinox, the beginning of the year：In many countries in the Arab region, Mother's Day is celebrated on March 21, the "Spring Equinox". Local people believe that the "Vernal Equinox" is the beginning of spring and the beginning of the year, which expresses the greatness of the mother. March 21st happens to be a public holiday in many Middle Eastern countries, and charity activities will be held to raise people's attention to women's social status. In 1943, Egyptian journalist Amin initiated the establishment of Mother's Day at the American University in Cairo. Since then, the last Friday in March has been Mother's Day in Egypt.On this day, teenagers all over the country give flowers and gifts to their mothers, hold concerts and entertainment performances for their mothers, and select the most ideal mother in the country.

After taking stock of Mother’s Day in so many countries, which one do you like the most? Although countries celebrate in different ways, what remains unchanged is the reverence and praise of maternal love in human nature. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in the world~~~