• Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914, honoring mothers and their sacrifices. Here are 6 surprising facts about this beloved holiday.
• Among the 6 surprising facts are Americans spending over $33 billion on gifts, flowers, and meals for the occasion.
• Carnations are the traditional flower with red for living mothers and white for those who have passed.

Mother’s Day is more than just a day to give gifts and flowers. It has a rich history filled with surprising facts. Here are six that might surprise you.

Mother’s Day Became an Official U.S. Holiday in 1914

The idea for celebration started in 1908, but it wasn’t until 1914 that it became an official holiday. President Woodrow Wilson signed the law, declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. The day honors mothers, especially those who lost children in war. This marked a big change, turning a small idea into a nationwide celebration. Among the 6 surprising facts, this historical moment stands out.

Celebrated in Over 100 Countries

It’s not just an American tradition. Over 100 countries celebrate the day. Each country celebrates it in their own way, but they all share the same purpose: honoring moms. While the date might differ, the love and appreciation for them remain universal. People around the world take time to recognize the hard work and sacrifice that moms give, recalling 6 surprising facts of a global tradition.

Americans Spend Billions on Gifts

Mother’s Day is a big business in the U.S. Americans spend more than $33 billion each year on gifts, cards, flowers, and meals. In 2025, people will spend an average of $345 on gifts for their moms. Flowers and greeting cards are the most popular gifts. The spending shows just how important this day is to people. These expenditures are one of the 6 surprising facts showing the day’s impact.

Phone Calls Surge

Mother’s Day is the day people make the most phone calls. In fact, more calls are made on this Day than on any other day of the year. In 2024, Verizon reported a 5.6% increase in phone use compared to Father’s Day. People also talk for longer. Verizon recorded an additional 137.5 million minutes of phone conversations. That’s about 2.3 million extra hours spent talking to moms.

Carnations are the Traditional Flower of Mother’s Day

The tradition of using carnations for this special Day started with Anna Jarvis. In 1908, she sent 500 white carnations to a church in honor of her mom. This tradition stuck and became part of the holiday. Red carnations represent living persons, while white carnations represent mothers who have passed away. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to honor them on this special day.

Anna Jarvis Fought Against the Commercialization of Mother’s Day

Though Anna Jarvis is the founder of Mother’s Day, she later fought against its commercialization. She didn’t like how businesses turned the day into a way to make money. She believed that the true meaning of the day was getting lost in the profits and even argued with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who used Mother’s Day to raise money for charity. Jarvis felt the holiday should remain focused on honoring mothers, not making a profit.

Conclusion

Mother’s Day is full of interesting facts and traditions. From the billions of dollars spent to the many phone calls made, the holiday has a huge impact. Though it has become commercialized, the holiday still serves its original purpose: honoring mothers and the hard work they do. Whether it’s through a simple phone call, a bouquet of carnations, or a big celebration, the love for mothers shines on this special day.