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Being a mother is a 24-hour, seven day a week job and Mother’s Day celebrates all the love and care that comes into raising children. While Mother’s Day is celebrated in the US and Canada on April 12 in 2024, mothers are honored everywhere around the globe.
While you celebrate your mom, grandma, daughter, or daughter-in-law, remember that Mother’s Day has some traditions that help make the day special. Here are nine fun facts about Mother’s Day that will warm your heart and make you smile.
Ancient Greeks Honored Mothers in the Spring
Although the celebrations were different from what is done today, mother’s were honored in ancient Greece, according to House Beautiful. A spring festival honoring the goddess Rhea – she was believed to be the mother of many deities — was held every year.
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The Most Popular Gift is a Card
Whether it is handmade or store bought, the most popular Mother’s Day gift is a greeting card. The second most popular gift is flowers. Whichever gift you choose, make sure it comes from the heart.
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There Are a Bunch of Moms in the US
A Pew Research survey, from the last census, found that there are around 85 million mothers in the US. But this does not include stepmoms or mother-figures in your life.The average number of children each mother has is two.
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Mother’s Day is Not on the Same Date Every Year
The holiday is celebrated on the Second Sunday in May and not on a specific month, according to Town & Country. In 2024, Mother’s Day falls on May 12.
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The Most Calls are Made on Mother’s Day
There are more than 122 million phone calls made on Mother’s Day; that’s more than any other day of the year. So if you can’t visit your mother, mother-in-law or any other special mom in your life, call her to wish her a happy Mother’s Day – or better yet – Zoom or Skype instead.
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The Word Mom or Mama Comes From Babies
The first sound that babies can vocalize is “ma”. That’s why the word for mothers begins with the letter M in almost every language.
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Mother’s Day in the US Was Created in 1912
The first Mother’s Day was created by President Woodrow Wilson in 1912. It was the brainchild of Anna Jarvis who wanted to honor her mother and all mothers, according to House Beautiful. In the official proclamation, Wilson said that “the holiday was a chance to express our love and reverence for mothers of our country.”
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Carnations are the Official Mother’s Day Flower
Another tradition that was started by Ann Jarvis was the wearing of carnations on Mother’s Day. Red or pink carnations were given to moms. White carnations were worn to honor a mother who had passed away to show that they were remembered and loved.
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More Babies are Born in August
August is the most popular month to have a baby, according to USA Today. Despite more babies being born in August, September 9 is the most common birthday.
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