In 2025, Ukrainians will celebrate Mother Day on May 11 - on the second Sunday of May, as in most countries of the world. The transition to a new church calendar does not affect this date, because it is not related to religious holidays.
The idea of honoring mothers has deep roots. In ancient Greece, they honored Ray, the mother of many gods, and in the Roman Empire - the goddess of Cybel. But the modern holiday history began in the United States over a century ago thanks to Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia. She sought to honor her mother, Anna Maria Rivz-Jarvis, who fought for health reforms.
In 1910, Mother's Day was officially celebrated in Virginia, and as early as 1914, US President Woodro Wilson declared the second Sunday in May a national holiday. The idea has spread rapidly around the world, although in Europe similar traditions existed earlier.
In Ukraine, Mother's Day was celebrated in 1929, following the example of the Ukrainian Diaspora in Canada. The holiday was actively supported by public organizations - Plast, Prosvita, Native School. However, in 1939, the Soviet authorities banned it. The return to tradition was only in the early 2000s, and since then, Ukrainians have been officially celebrating their mother's Day.
Although most states celebrate Mother's Day in May, many countries differ in many countries:
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In the United Kingdom and Ireland - on the fourth Sunday of Lent
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In Georgia - March 3
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In Norway - on the second Sunday of February
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In South Korea - May 8 as a day of parents
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In some countries in Asia and Africa - March 21 on the day of spring equinox
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In Moldova and Azerbaijan - March 8 with International Women's Day
In Christian countries, the holiday is often associated with the cults of the Virgin. For example, in medieval England, the family visited the service in the Mother Church, after which the children gave their mothers flowers.
Interesting facts about Mother's Day
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On the second Sunday of May, more than 120 million phone calls are made around the world-more than on any other day of the year.
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Approximately 25% of all flowers sold throughout the year are purchased for Mother's Day.
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The word "mom" is universal, because the sound "ma" is one of the first to pronounce babies.
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Anna Jarvis, the initiator of the holiday, later opposed his commercialization. She believed that the essence was lost by gifts, flowers and postcards.
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The symbol of the holiday is carnations. Anna Jarvis offered white carnations as a sign of cleanliness, but later the red flowers gained popularity.
Mother's Day is a reminder of the importance of worrying, gratitude and love for those who give us life.
