The History of Mother’s Day: How the Holiday Began and Why It Still Matters Today

18 avril 2026

Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that almost everyone recognizes, yet many people do not know the story behind it. Today, it is often associated with flowers, cards, brunch, and thoughtful gifts, but the holiday began with a much deeper purpose. It was meant to be a sincere day of appreciation for mothers and the love, care, and sacrifice they give to their families.

Its modern history is closely tied to Anna Jarvis and her efforts to create a day that would honour mothers in a personal and meaningful way.

Who Started Mother’s Day?

The story of modern Mother’s Day begins in the United States with Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honour her own mother, Ann Jarvis. Ann Jarvis had been involved in community work and women’s groups focused on friendship, health, and support for mothers.

After her mother’s death, Anna Jarvis worked to establish a special day dedicated to mothers and their importance in family life. The first formal Mother’s Day church service is widely recognized as having taken place in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia.

When Did Mother’s Day Become an Official Holiday?

What started as a heartfelt tribute quickly gained attention. Within a few years, Mother’s Day was being observed in many places across the United States. In 1914, it became an official national holiday there, helping spread the tradition even further.

Over time, the celebration became popular in other countries as well, including Canada, where Mother’s Day is now observed each year on the second Sunday of May.

Why Mother’s Day Still Matters Today

One of the most surprising parts of the holiday’s history is that Anna Jarvis later became deeply frustrated by how commercial it had become. She believed Mother’s Day was supposed to be personal and sincere, not driven by shopping or public pressure.

In her view, the holiday was meant to encourage genuine gratitude, whether through a visit, a handwritten note, or a thoughtful gesture from the heart. That part of the story still feels relevant today, especially in a world where holidays can sometimes feel rushed or overly commercial.

That may be one reason Mother’s Day still means so much. At its core, it is not really about extravagance. It is about recognition. It is a chance to pause and appreciate the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures who have shaped our lives with love, patience, strength, and care.

For many families, even a small act of kindness can make the day feel meaningful.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in many different ways. Some families gather for a meal, some send flowers, and others choose a thoughtful gift that helps express what can be hard to say in words. While traditions may differ from one family to another, the heart of the holiday remains the same: showing appreciation and love.

As Mother’s Day approaches, it can be a lovely time to reflect not only on gifts and plans, but also on the meaning behind the occasion. Knowing the history of the holiday reminds us that Mother’s Day began as a sincere tribute to the care and devotion of mothers everywhere. That simple message still matters just as much today.

If you are looking for a thoughtful way to celebrate the occasion, we warmly invite you to explore our Mother’s Day Gift Baskets collection. We’ve put together beautiful gift ideas to help make Mom feel appreciated and loved on her special day.