Surprising Facts About Mother’s Day You Didn’t Know

Mother’s Day is one of the most cherished holidays, a time to celebrate the incredible women who raised us. But did you know this holiday has a fascinating history filled with unexpected twists? From its controversial origins to bizarre traditions around the world, here are some surprising facts about Mother’s Day that will leave you amazed.

Mother’s Day Was Once An Anti-War Movement

You might think Mother’s Day was created as a simple way to appreciate moms, but its roots are far more political. The holiday was initially championed by Julia Ward Howe, an activist who wrote "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." In 1870, she proposed a "Mother’s Day for Peace" as a protest against war, urging mothers to come together and promote peace. While her version didn’t take off, it laid the foundation for the Mother’s Day we know today.

The Founder Of Mother’s Day Later Tried To Abolish It

Anna Jarvis, the woman responsible for making Mother’s Day a national holiday in the U.S., eventually despised what it became. She worked tirelessly to have the day recognized in 1914 but was horrified by how commercialized it became. Florists, card companies, and retailers turned it into a money-making event, which was never her intention. She spent the rest of her life fighting against the commercialization of Mother’s Day, even filing lawsuits to stop businesses from profiting off it.

Mother’s Day Is One Of the Biggest Days For Phone Calls

Ever wondered which day of the year sees the highest number of phone calls? It’s Mother’s Day! According to telecommunications companies, phone traffic spikes by nearly 37% as people rush to call their moms. It even surpasses Christmas and New Year’s, proving that no one wants to risk forgetting to call their mother on her special day.

Some Countries Celebrate It On Different Days

While the U.S. and many other countries observe Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, not everyone follows the same tradition. In the U.K., Mothering Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Meanwhile, in Thailand, it falls on August 12th, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the mother of the nation. Ethiopia takes it to another level, celebrating for multiple days with feasts and singing during the Antrosht festival.

Mother’s Day Generates Billions In Spending

If you thought Valentine’s Day or Christmas were the biggest spending holidays, think again! Mother’s Day is a major economic event. In the U.S. alone, people spend over$30 billion on gifts, flowers, and meals for their moms. The most popular gifts include jewelry, spa treatments, and dining out. Florists, in particular, see a massive surge in sales, with millions of flowers being purchased each year.

Carnations Became The Official Mother’s Day Flower For A Heartbreaking Reason

Ever wondered why carnations are the go-to flower for Mother’s Day? Anna Jarvis chose them because they were her late mother’s favorite flower. She even designated white carnations to honor mothers who had passed away, while red and pink carnations were for those still living. This tradition continues today, though other flowers like roses and lilies have also become popular choices.

In Yugoslavia, Kids Used To ‘Tie Up’ Their Moms

One of the strangest Mother’s Day traditions comes from former Yugoslavia. In the past, children would sneak into their mother’s bedroom in the morning and tie her up! She wasn’t released until she promised to give them treats or gifts. While this quirky practice has faded, it’s certainly one of the most unusual ways to celebrate motherhood.

Mexico Throws A Huge Party For Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day in Mexico, known as "Día de las Madres," is a huge event. Unlike in the U.S., where celebrations are often simple, Mexicans go all out with mariachi bands, feasts, and even church services. It’s common for children to perform songs and poems for their mothers, making it one of the most emotional and festive days of the year.

The Most Prolific Mother In History Had 69 Children

Yes, you read that right—69 children! The record for the most children born to one woman goes to a Russian peasant named Valentina Vassilyeva, who lived in the 1700s. She gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, 7 sets of triplets, and 4 sets of quadruplets. While this seems almost unbelievable, historical records support this claim. Imagine celebrating Mother’s Day with that many kids!

There’s A Country Where It’s Illegal To Celebrate Mother’s Day

While Mother’s Day is a joyous occasion in most countries, some places have banned it. In North Korea, for example, there’s no official Mother’s Day, as the government prefers to celebrate "Parents’ Day" instead. Some extremist groups in the Middle East have even discouraged the celebration, claiming it’s a Western influence.

Animal Moms Can Be Just As Amazing As Human Moms

Motherhood isn’t just special among humans—animals have incredible moms too! Elephants, for example, have some of the most devoted mothers, carrying their babies for nearly22 months before birth and staying by their side for years. Orangutan moms nurse their young for up to8 years, while octopus mothers make the ultimate sacrifice by starving themselves to death after laying eggs.

Mother’s Day Cards Were Once Considered Rude

Today, giving your mom a heartfelt card is a must, but in the early days of Mother’s Day, it was frowned upon. Anna Jarvis, the holiday’s founder, believed handwritten letters were more personal, and she despised mass-produced greeting cards. She felt that buying a card was a lazy way to express love, which is ironic considering how popular Mother’s Day cards are today.

The Word “Mother” Sounds Similar In Almost Every Language

Ever noticed how "mom" sounds similar in different languages? In English, it's "mother," in Spanish, "madre," in French, "mère," and in Mandarin, "mā." Linguists believe this isn’t a coincidence. The "ma" sound is one of the first babies can make, which is why many languages developed similar words for "mom."

Conclusion

Mother’s Day is more than just a day to buy flowers and gifts—it has a rich history, surprising traditions, and even controversies. From its anti-war roots to strange customs around the world, this beloved holiday holds many fascinating secrets. So, the next time you celebrate Mother’s Day, remember there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye!