- Apr 30, 2025
The History & Meaning Of Mother's Day: 2025 Date Revealed
Mother's Day is one of the special annual occasions dedicated to honoring the tremendous contributions of mothers in our lives. It's a meaningful time for us to express gratitude to the women who gave birth to us, raised us, and made silent sacrifices for their children.
However, there's still quite a bit of confusion about its origins, meaning, and exact date. So, let's explore this deeper with CHUS.
What is Mother's Day?
Mother's Day is a special commemorative occasion dedicated to honoring mothers, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers on family and society. It's an opportunity for children to express gratitude and affection toward their mothers through meaningful gifts, heartfelt wishes, or simply spending quality time together.
Mother's Day was established to honor women in their role as mothers
Unlike International Women's Day (March 8th), which celebrates all women, Mother's Day specifically focuses on the role of motherhood. In most countries around the world, this holiday is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, with various traditions and celebrations unique to each culture.
When is Mother's Day in 2025?
Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In 2025, Mother's Day will fall on May 11, 2025. This is the ideal time to plan meaningful activities with your mother.
Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 11, 2025
The Origins of Mother's Day
Modern Mother's Day originated in the West, particularly in the United States, but its roots go back much further. Before taking its current form, many ancient cultures had festivals honoring mothers and women.
1. Origins from Ancient Times
From around 1600 BCE, ancient Greeks held spring festivals honoring Rhea - the goddess considered the mother of the gods. Romans also had the Hilaria festival to honor the goddess Cybele, known as the "Great Mother" or "Mother of the Gods."
.jpg?1745826711646)
Goddess Rhea - The goddess considered the mother of the gods (Image: Theoi.com)
2. The Birth of Modern Mother's Day
Modern Mother's Day traces its direct origins to the efforts of Anna Jarvis in America. After her mother - Ann Reeves Jarvis - passed away in 1905, Anna Marie Jarvis began campaigning for a day to commemorate mothers.
In 1908, the first memorial service dedicated to mothers was held at the Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, and at a church in Philadelphia. Thanks to Anna Jarvis's perseverance, the movement quickly gained widespread support.
Mother's Day officially developed strongly from the United States
By 1911, most American states were celebrating Mother's Day. And in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a document establishing the second Sunday in May as National Mother's Day in the United States, marking the official birth of this holiday.
Carnations were chosen as the symbol of Mother's Day
Anna Jarvis chose carnations as the symbol for Mother's Day, representing purity, love, and loyalty.
How Has Mother's Day Evolved Over the Years?
After 1914, Mother's Day developed and spread to many countries around the world. From a simple commemorative day, Mother's Day gradually became one of the major holidays, accompanied by numerous commercial activities.
In the decades following its establishment in the United States, as "Mother's Day" from the West was introduced, Vietnamese people also began to embrace this holiday under the name "Ngày của mẹ." In many Asian countries, Mother's Day is celebrated at different times of the year, in accordance with local cultures.
Mother's Day has developed strongly with many accompanying activities
Notably, in the years after establishing Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis herself opposed the commercialization of this holiday. She believed that the true meaning of this day wasn't about expensive gifts but about genuine feelings and gratitude.
By 2025, Mother's Day will have gone through more than a century of development, becoming a holiday recognized worldwide in various forms.
The Significance of Mother's Day
1. Why Do We Need to Honor Mothers on This Day?
Mother's Day is a special occasion for us to express gratitude for the silent sacrifices of mothers. In our busy daily lives, many people often forget the enormous contributions of mothers in nurturing and caring for their children. This day reminds us to pause, recognize, and appreciate the unconditional love that mothers give us.
Moreover, honoring mothers is also a way for us to express our love and care. Sometimes, a simple thank you can bring joy and happiness to a mother.
Mother's Day is an opportunity to send words of thanks (Photo: Minh Ha and her child - Eva)
2. What is the Significance of Mother's Day for Younger Generations?
For the younger generation, Mother's Day is an opportunity to be reminded of family values and the importance of maternal love. In the era of digital technology and fast-paced living, this holiday serves as a milestone to remind young people to be more aware of their responsibilities and filial piety toward their parents.
Mother's Day is also an occasion for younger generations to learn how to express love and gratitude, important emotional values in life. As the pace of life becomes increasingly intense, spending quality time with loved ones becomes more meaningful.
Reminding young people to always remember mother's contributions (Photo: Minh Tu and her mom)
3. Mother's Day in Vietnamese Culture
Vietnam is a country with filial traditions, where people remind each other that "No one in the world is as good as mother." Before Mother's Day from the West was introduced to Vietnam, Vietnamese people already had their own holidays to honor parents, most notably the Vu Lan Festival in the seventh lunar month.
When Mother's Day was introduced to Vietnam, it quickly blended with traditional culture, creating an event with its own unique identity. Vietnamese women, as the spiritual pillars of the family, are especially honored on this day.
Many Vietnamese families combine celebrating Western-style Mother's Day in May with the traditional Vu Lan festival. This is a tactful way to show respect for both traditional culture and modern trends.
Vietnam stands out with its tradition of filial piety and family love
Meaningful Gifts for Mother's Day
Instead of overly familiar gifts, consider more personalized and meaningful presents, such as:
- Handwritten letters or handmade cards with heartfelt wishes.
- Personalized gifts to create a unique present that only your mother will have. An embroidered bag, an engraved wallet, or a unique picture frame are all touching ideas.
- Thoughtful health care gift sets that show your concern for your mother during times when you can't be together.
- Experiences: Spend time with your mother on this day; specifically, please refer to the next section.
Send your mother gifts full of love
Fun Activities for Mother's Day
There are many creative ways to celebrate Mother's Day, but most importantly, it's about dedicating your time and attention. For example:
-
Family meal: Cook your mother's favorite dishes or take her to her favorite restaurant.
-
Quality time: Spend the day doing things your mother enjoys, such as walking in the park, watching movies, or visiting museums.
-
Creative activities: Attend a flower arranging, cooking, or painting workshop with your mother.
-
Volunteer together: Participate in meaningful charitable activities with your mother.
Conclusion
We hope that CHUS's article has helped you better understand Mother's Day and the important plans for this day. Also remember that besides gifts for mother, your time and sincere care are the most precious expressions of love.
Now, mark May 11, 2025, on your calendar and prepare for a special day to honor the "gentle mother" who has given you life and unconditional love!
