George Washington once said, “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.”
Mothers have a great influence on their children and families, and God has charged them with loving and guiding their children.
At House of Hope, we hold motherhood and family in the highest regard.
A mother’s role goes far beyond daily tasks like wiping noses or changing diapers. She is the guiding force that steers her children toward their values and beliefs. She is their strength, their source of love, and their inspiration.
That’s why Mother’s Day is such a special occasion. As we celebrate moms, we honor their dedication and influence with these 10 interesting facts about Mother’s Day you might not know.
1. Mother’s Day Became an Official Holiday on May 9, 1914
It was President Woodrow Wilson who officially recognized Mother’s Day as a national holiday on May 9, 1914. The idea, however, originated earlier, in 1908, when Anna Jarvis created Mother’s Day to honor her own mother’s hard work in serving mothers after the Civil War.
2. Over 122 Million Phone Calls Are Made on Mother’s Day
For Americans, staying connected with their moms on Mother’s Day is a priority, even across great distances. Around 122 million phone calls are made on this day each year, as families reach out to express their love and appreciation. Make sure to call your mom this year!
3. Greeting Cards Are the Most Popular Mother’s Day Gift
When it comes to finding the perfect way to say, “I love you, Mom,” greeting cards are at the top of the list. In addition to cards, popular Mother’s Day gifts include flowers, gift cards, special outings, clothing, and jewelry. Have you purchased a card for your mom yet?
4. The Carnation Is the Official Flower of Mother’s Day
The carnation’s association with Mother’s Day dates back to Anna Jarvis, who sent hundreds of carnations to her home church in West Virginia to honor mothers. Today, carnations remain the official flower of Mother’s Day, with white carnations symbolizing remembrance of deceased mothers and red carnations celebrating those still living. Consider handing out carnations to moms at your church on Mother’s Day!
5. Mother’s Day Is the Busiest Day of the Year for Restaurants
In addition to making phone calls and sending cards, Americans love to take Mom out to eat to celebrate. Mother’s Day is the busiest restaurant day of the year, with more than one-third of American adults reserving tables to honor the occasion. It’s a great way to give mom a break from cooking and treat her to a special meal. Make sure to grab your reservations soon!
6. Americans Will Spend Nearly $40 Billion on Mother’s Day
Despite economic challenges and uncertainties, spending on Mother’s Day continues to grow. In 2023, Americans spent a staggering $35.7 billion on gifts for moms, from flowers to dining experiences to heartfelt cards. That amount is expected to increase this year!
7. Mother’s Day Is the Third Most-Attended Church Service
Mother’s Day ranks as the third most attended church service of the year, following Easter and Christmas. For many, celebrating faith and family is a vital part of honoring their moms, and attending church together is a cherished tradition. We can think of no better way to celebrate family than in God’s house.
8. What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day
According to a survey conducted by Mother’s® Cookies, many moms have a simple wish for Mother’s Day: for their husband or children to take over all household chores for the day! Interestingly, the survey also revealed that nearly half of men (46%) didn’t buy their wives a Mother’s Day gift in the past—an easy fix for making this year’s celebration even better.
9. Most American Moms Have Their First Child in Their Twenties
As of 2019, the average age for first-time mothers in the United States is 27 years old. The majority of women have their first child in their twenties, with about 20% of women waiting until after age 35 to begin motherhood.
10. Moms Influence 73.1 Million Children Across the U.S.
This Mother’s Day, take a moment to reflect on the powerful impact moms have on the future. Across the U.S., 73.1 million children under 18 are being shaped by their mothers. These young ones represent the future of our nation, and it is mothers who are at the forefront of guiding them into that future. If you are a mother, remember how much you influence your children. Your role in leading them to the truth of God’s Word will impact them for the rest of their lives.
As we wrap up these fun facts, remember that Mother’s Day should be honored every day of the year. After all, as William Ross Wallace wrote, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.”
Moms, never underestimate the power of your love, your hard work, and your dedication. You are shaping the next generation, and that is a task of the highest importance.
Happy Mother’s Day!
