7 Fast Facts You Might Not Know About Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a celebration that happens every year, all around the planet. While it is celebrated differently in different corners of the world, the focus is universal: to honor all our mothers and mother figures.

A lot of time, thought, effort, and love come into play when preparing for this very special day. After all, we just want to remind them of our gratitude for all they have done for us on good days and bad. But what else do we know about this annual celebration? Read on to find out!

1. Ancient Greeks and Romans held celebrations to honor mothers: The Greeks worshiped Rhea, the goddess of fertility and motherhood, each spring. Ancient Romans paid tribute to Cybele, worshiped as the mother goddess, during the Ides of March.
2. Mother’s Day is celebrated on a different day each year: In the US and many other countries, Mother's Day is observed on the second Sunday in May. Because it follows the calendar of days rather than a specific date, the number changes annually.
3. Cards are the most common gift: In need of a gift idea? Write her a sweet note! A poll indicates that cards are the most popular choice because a heartfelt message never goes out of style.
4. Anna Jarvis started Mother’s Day: Established in the early 1900s, Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother's Day event in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908, to honor her own beloved mother.
5. President Woodrow Wilson made it official: Persuaded by Anna Jarvis, US President Woodrow Wilson designated the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day in 1914. According to History.com, he called it a time to "publicly express our love for the mothers of our country."
6. Phone call volume reaches a record high: History.com reveals that more calls are made on Mother’s Day than almost any other day of the year, with volume increases often reaching 37%.
7. Carnation is the official flower: Anna Jarvis started the tradition by wearing a white carnation, her mother's favorite flower. Today, pink and red carnations are often used to honor living mothers, while white carnations honor those who have passed away.