Every May, people across the United States scramble to find the perfect bouquet of flowers, write a heartfelt card, and book a brunch reservation to celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures in their lives. Mother's Day is a beloved tradition dedicated to honoring the women who raised us, guided us, and supported us. Most of us know the basic routine of this springtime holiday. We buy gifts, make phone calls, and spend time with family. But the history and statistics behind this special Sunday reveal a complex and fascinating story.

Anna Jarvis Started The Tradition

A woman named Anna Jarvis held the first official Mother's Day service of worship at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, in 1908. Following the success of this first service, Anna campaigned tirelessly to make it a recognized holiday.

The Founder Actively Fought Against The Holiday

Anna Jarvis envisioned a quiet, reflective day for families to visit their mothers and attend church. When the floral, greeting card, and candy industries began aggressively marketing the holiday, she was furious. She organized boycotts, threatened lawsuits against companies using the name, and even crashed a confectioners' convention in protest. Jarvis spent the latter part of her life trying to get the holiday removed from the calendar entirely.

The Busiest Day For Phone Calls

If you struggle to get a cell signal on the second Sunday in May, there is a good reason. Mother's Day consistently ranks as the busiest day of the year for phone calls. According to telecom industry data, phone traffic spikes significantly as children dial home to wish their moms well.

A Multi-Billion Dollar Retail Event

Americans love to spoil their mothers. According to the National Retail Federation, consumer spending on Mother's Day routinely exceeds $30 billion annually. This money goes toward jewelry, special outings, electronics, and spa days. It remains one of the highest-grossing consumer holidays on the calendar.

Carnations Are The Official Flower

When Anna Jarvis held that very first service in 1908, she handed out hundreds of white carnations, which were her mother's favorite flower. Because of this, the carnation became the official symbol of the holiday. Over time, a specific tradition emerged. People wear red or pink carnations to honor a mother who is living, and they wear white carnations to honor a mother who has passed away.

A Peak Season For Florists

Mother's Day accounts for roughly one-quarter of all holiday purchases of flowers and plants. Florists prepare months in advance to handle the surge in orders, with mixed bouquets, tulips, and roses remaining incredibly popular choices for moms everywhere.

Make This Year Extra Special

This year, take a moment to look past the busy brunch crowds and the commercial displays. Share a few of these historical facts with your mom over a cup of coffee. Most importantly, focus on the original spirit of the holiday: spending quality time with the person who has always been there for you. Call your mom, write a personal message inside that card, and let her know exactly how much she means to you.