Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8th, the second Sunday in May.
The first North American Mother's Day was conceptualized with Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation in 1870. Howe, who wrote the Battle Hymn of the Republic 12 years before, was distraught by the death and carnage of the Civil War and wanted to celebrate peace and motherhood.
Mother's Day was officially adopted as a holiday by the U.S. government in 1908 after a request by the YMCA.
White carnations are used to honor deceased Mothers, while pink or red carnations pay tribute to Mothers who are still alive.
The Japanese call Mother's Day haha no hi.
In Ethiopia, after a meal a celebration takes place. The mothers and daughters ritually anoint themselves with butter on their faces and chests.
In Thailand the celebration coincides with the birthday of their beloved queen, Sirikit Kitayakara, who has reigned since 1950. Her birthday, and therefore Mother's Day, takes place on August 12.
Happy Mother's Day.
