Origin, date & customs - interesting facts about Mother's Day

First things first: in the Netherlands, we always celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May. That's why Mother's Day has a different date every year. This year, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, 12 May 2024. Mother's Day is celebrated on different days around the world, but in most European countries it takes place on the second Sunday in May.

Mother's Day has its origins in the early American women's movement. Anna Jarvis, an activist and pastor's wife, officially established the day for the first time on 10 May 1908 in Virginia to honour mothers and their role in society. Since then, Mother's Day has established itself as one of the most recognised and celebrated holidays in the world.

Mother's Day is often celebrated with flowers, gifts, and shared activities. All this to honour and show appreciation to mothers worldwide. Although all wonderful mums deserve love and affection all year round, we use Mother's Day as a special opportunity to show our mums how much they mean to us.

In our society, flowers are an expression of affection and love. They are a sign of festivity and joy with which we like to express our affection to others. 

Also, May is conveniently a month when nature sprouts and many types of flowers bloom in full splendour. For example, May is the month of wonderful spring flowers such as ranunculus, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. In the beginning of spring, which stands for hope and new beginnings, we enjoy the colourful blooms of flowers.

Mother's Day is not a day that everyone wants to celebrate. If you have lost your mother, Mother's Day can bring up particularly painful feelings. However, it can be comforting and beautiful to remember your late mum on Mother's Day. We have come up with 6 ways to honour your mother and spend the day in a beautiful way.