- Since 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the law making Mother's Day an official holiday, it's been widely celebrated throughout the nation. Originally celebrated by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians who used the day to pay honor to goddesses and the Europeans who paid honor to their mother church, it wasn't until the early 17th century in England when people started celebrating mothers of the human type. These celebrations were cause for family visits, cake and flowers. In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, author of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," attempted to start a Mother's Day in the United States, which she successfully did until she stopped footing the bill for celebrations. In 1908, two years after her mother died, Anna M. Jarvis requested a Mother's Day service be held to honor her mom as well as other moms in a Pennsylvania church. A church service was held and carnations were given out. Carnations are still popular flowers to give on Mother's Day today (see resources).
- While from the title of the holiday it may seem like strictly daughters and sons give cards to their mothers on Mother's Day, the sphere of this card-giving holiday is much bigger. Mother's Day cards are regularly given to mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, wives, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends and other women who have played a motherly role in the lives of card givers. Women who have children may also receive cards from friends and family members.
- The types of Mother's Day cards that are given are endless. While Hallmark currently has 1,600 types of Mother's Day cards in circulation that range from cards with serious messages to ones that play a recording that card giver can create, many Mother's Day cards are homemade. Homemade cards can be as simple or as elaborate as the designer wishes. Young children may create simple cards from a folded piece of construction paper while adults may use scrapbooking techniques or computer programs to create ornate cards. Mother's Day cards can also be sent electronically. Websites like Bluemountain.com even provide free e-cards for those who prefer not to purchase fancier e-card selections.
- Mother's Day cards are given to honor and to pay tribute to mothers and motherly figures and let the recipient know that they are appreciated and thought of on a special day. Mother's Day cards provide an opportunity to express thanks for the important role that the individual plays in the life of the person who gives the card. Giving a Mother's Day card also shows the recipient that you stopped and took time to reflect on your relationship and that your truly value it.
- Mother's Day cards are often exchanged during a visit to the recipient on Mother's Day. If you plan to mail a Mother's Day card using the Postal Service, you'll want to send it out by the first Sunday in May to be sure it arrives in time for the holiday. If you forget to send your card, you can always electronically send one out on Mother's Day.
