When will Mother's Day 2024 be observed? Will there be federal or public holiday?

Mother's Day will be celebrated this year in the US on Sunday, May 12. As it is observed on the second Sunday in May, the date varies from year to year. It will be celebrated in 2025 on May 11, in 2026 on May 10 and on May 9 in 2027. Mother's Day is a national holiday widely observed in the U.S., though it is not a federal or public holiday.

Day to honor mothers

Mother's Day is observed in the US to honor and thank mothers for what they have been doing since the dawn of civilization. It is difficult to say when the tradition of observing Mother's Day began, but it can be said that it is an old tradition and perhaps has been observed for centuries.

Who established Mother's Day in the US?

Three women were most instrumental in establishing the tradition of Mother’s Day in the US, Ann Reeves Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Ann’s daughter, Anna M. Jarvis. They were activists who fought for children’s welfare, health, and peace.

Ancient tradition of Mother's Day

The Phrygians, who inhabited central-western Anatolia or modern-day Turkey and spoke Indo-European languages, held a festival for Cybele, the Great Mother of the Gods. The Greeks and Romans also honored the mother figure of their gods. In Hinduism, a polytheist religion, many goddesses are worshipped. The Hindus worship Kali and Durga and celebrate festivals dedicated to them.

Mothering Sunday

Long before the Americans, Europeans honored their mothers on the fourth Sunday of Lent on Mothering Sunday. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, laborers, apprentices, and domestic servants would be given a holiday on the fourth Sunday of Lent to return to their mothers and the "mother" church.

Simnel Cake

In 16th-century England, it was the tradition that the eldest son or daughter would bring a "Mothering Cake" or "Simnel Cake," which would be shared by the entire family. The Simnel Cake was a dried fruit cake with two layers of almond paste. It was made with 11 balls of marzipan icing on top, representing the 11 disciples of Jesus Christ, except Judas, who betrayed him.

FAQs:

Will there be a federal or public holiday in the US on Mother's Day?
Mother's Day is a national holiday widely observed in the U.S., but it is not a federal or public holiday.

What is a Simnel Cake?
In 16th-century England, it was the tradition that the eldest son or daughter would bring a "Mothering Cake" or "Simnel Cake," which would be shared by the entire family. The Simnel Cake was a dried fruit cake with two layers of almond paste. It was made with 11 balls of marzipan icing on top, representing the 11 disciples of Jesus Christ, except Judas, who betrayed him.