More Than Just Flowers: The Heartwarming Story Behind Mother’s Day

The Origin of Mother’s Day (Modern Version)
Mother’s Day began in the United States, championed by a woman named Anna Jarvis. In 1905, after the passing of her mother, Anna was inspired to honour her mother’s selfless devotion and to express gratitude and respect to mothers everywhere. She began advocating for the establishment of a dedicated "Mother's Day".

In 1908, she held the first official Mother’s Day event in West Virginia, which received an overwhelming response. After years of persistent effort, in 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson officially signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday of May as a national holiday — Mother's Day. Since then, the celebration has spread across the world.

It’s worth noting that Anna Jarvis originally intended for Mother’s Day to be celebrated in the most heartfelt and simple way — such as writing a personal letter or giving a single flower. In fact, later in life, she publicly opposed the growing commercialisation of the holiday, believing it strayed from her original purpose.

The Spirit of Mother's Day in Chinese Culture
Although the modern version of Mother’s Day originated in the West, the value it represents aligns closely with traditional Chinese culture — especially the emphasis on filial piety (孝道). A well-known example is the story of Mencius’ mother, who moved house three times just to find the best environment for her son’s upbringing. This story reflects the same devotion and perseverance celebrated on Mother’s Day.

Common Mother's Day Traditions
Today, Mother's Day has evolved into a warm and diverse celebration. Popular ways to show love include:
• Giving carnations (a symbol of motherly love and gratitude)
• Writing thank-you cards or heartfelt letters
• Taking mum out for a meal or planning a short family getaway
• Children making handmade cards, origami flowers, or craft gifts
• Churches or schools holding special Mother’s Day services or performances

No matter the form, as long as it’s sincere, it will surely fill any mum’s heart with warmth and joy.