Mother’s Day history and celebrations worldwide:
Carnation is the official flower of Mother’s Day
Did you know that the carnation is the official flower of Mother’s Day? Why you ask? Well, read on and I will tell you.
The history of Mother’s Day is fascinating. Starting in England during the 18th century, the household servants of the rich were given “Mothering Sunday” to return home to be with their mothers. This came to an end during the Industrial Revolution and it was re-established during the 20th century.
For the US and Canada, however, it was not until the 1900s that Mother’s Day became a recognized holiday. Anna Jarvis worked in her mother’s garden where her mom grew her favorite flower, the white carnation. After her mother passed on May 5, 1905, Anna swore an oath at her mother’s grave site that she would dedicate one day that honors all mothers, both alive and deceased. She asked the minister at her church to give a sermon in her mother’s memory and called it a special Mother’s Day service. They did this for 5 years on the same Sunday in May until in 1910 when the governor of West Virginia proclaimed Mother’s Day to be the second Sunday in May every year. In 1914, a bill passed through Congress proclaiming the second Sunday in May to be a National Holiday for Mother’s Day and was signed by President Woodrow Wilson.
The carnation is still a popular flower for Mother’s Day. Churches buy red or pink for the mothers that are alive, and white carnations to give those who have lost a mother.
That being said, flowers of all varieties are being asked for. Children want to send their mom their favorite color or their favorite flower if it is not a carnation. Talking with your florist about your mom’s personality is a great way to customize a bouquet. Perhaps gardening is her passion? Your florist can create a garden-style arrangement to make her smile. Is she classic and sophisticated? Lilies, orchids or roses might do the trick. Florists are a great resource to create that extra special flower design for your mom. Be sure to order early so that you get what you want.
Click here to read the complete article and to learn more about how other countries celebrate Mother's Day.
