Why isn't Mother's Day celebrated everywhere at the same time?

The historical origins of Mother's Day

The Anna Jarvis initiative in the United States

The creation of Mother's Day in the United States owes its origins to Anna Jarvis, who, after the death of her mother in 1905, devoted her energies to promoting a day dedicated to mothers throughout the country.

Virginia, its home state, officially celebrated the day in 1908. In 1914, thanks to his efforts and those of his supporters, President Woodrow Wilson made the second Sunday in May Mother's Day.

However, Jarvis came to criticise the over-commercialisation of the festival, which she saw as a distortion of its original spirit.

Late recognition in France

In France, various events in tribute to mothers took place from the beginning of the 20th century, but it was on 24 May 1950 that the celebration was made official by law, setting the date as the last Sunday in May.

This legislation paid tribute to mothers with large families who were helping to rebuild and strengthen the nation, particularly after the devastation of the two world wars.

English traditions and their meaning

England introduced the notion of Mothering Sunday in the 16th century, a tradition held on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

Originally, it was a day for those who worked as domestic servants in large houses to return home to visit their mother church and family.

Over the years, this ecclesiastical tradition has evolved into an opportunity to celebrate and pay tribute to all mothers.

The impact of local culture and beliefs

Competing with other celebrations

The date of Mother's Day varies around the world, partly because of competition with other local or national celebrations. In France, for example, the decision not to celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May as in the United States is directly linked to the desire not to compete with the commemorations in honour of Joan of Arc.

Differences in religious calendars

Religious calendars also influence the date of Mother's Day. In England, for example, Mothering Sunday is celebrated according to the Christian liturgical calendar, while in some Middle Eastern countries it coincides with the March equinox, without any link to a Christian tradition.

The reasons behind the dates chosen

The role of government decisions

In several countries, the dates for Mother's Day have been set by government decisions. This often reflects an effort to reinforce specific family values or to honour the contribution of mothers to national history. In France, for example, the date finally chosen was in part a tribute to the mothers of families who endured the suffering of war.

The influence of social movements and commercial campaigns

Social movements and commercial campaigns have had a major impact on the promotion and adoption of Mother's Day in many countries. In the United States, the rapid transformation of Mother's Day into a commercial occasion even led to the disillusionment of its initiator, Anna Jarvis, who spent part of her life fighting against what she saw as a perversion of the celebration.

The celebration of Mother's Day has changed considerably over the years, striking a balance between respect for tradition and adaptation to modern realities. The evolution of this celebration around the globe underlines the cultural diversity and societal changes that have marked our times.

The celebration of Mother's Day has changed considerably over the years, striking a balance between respect for tradition and adaptation to modern realities. The evolution of this celebration around the globe underlines the cultural diversity and societal changes that have marked our times.

The commercialisation of the festival and its critics

The marketing of Mother's Day has become a global phenomenon, with a significant increase in sales of greetings cards, flowers, jewellery and other gifts.

As florists, we see the excitement and buzz around this special day every year, as customers seek to express their love and gratitude through material gestures.

However, this commercialisation is subject to criticism, with some feeling that it takes the celebration away from its original essence - honouring and recognising the dedication and sacrifices of mothers. It is important to find a happy medium, where acts of purchase remain sincere expressions of gratitude rather than consumerist obligations.

Maintaining family traditions

Despite criticism of its commercialisation, Mother's Day remains deeply rooted in many family traditions. These rituals - whether a simple family meal, homemade gifts or even handwritten letters - continue to forge strong links between the generations.

They keep the memory of mothers and grandmothers alive, reinforcing the sense of family and belonging.

Mother's Day in the digital age

The digital age has also influenced the way we celebrate Mother's Day.

Greetings are now sent via social networks or e-mail, allowing those who are far from home to connect with their families.

What's more, gift options have diversified, now including online experiences such as virtual cooking classes or streaming concerts.

This development shows that physical distance does not prevent us from celebrating and honouring our mothers; it even offers the opportunity for creativity and innovation in our expressions of gratitude.