Origins & History
Traditions Around the World
Symbols & Meaning
Pop Culture & Literature
Surprising Facts
100

 This woman is credited with founding Mother’s Day in the United States.

Who is Anna Jarvis?

100

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on this Sunday of May.

What is the second Sunday?

100

This flower became the official symbol of Mother’s Day thanks to Anna Jarvis.

What is a carnation?

100

This holiday is the third-largest for sending greeting cards in the U.S.

What is Mother’s Day?

100

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for this activity.

What is dining out (or restaurant visits)?

200

This U.S. president officially established Mother’s Day as a national holiday in 1914.

Who is Woodrow Wilson?

200

In the United Kingdom, a similar holiday is known by this name.

What is Mothering Sunday?

200

A white carnation traditionally represents this status of a mother.

What is deceased (or no longer living)?

200

This classic nursery rhyme begins, “Who sat and watched my infant head…”

What is “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle”?

200

This industry sees one of its highest sales spikes due to Mother’s Day.

What is the flower industry?

300

Anna Jarvis originally envisioned Mother’s Day as a day for this type of personal gesture rather than commercial gifts.

What are handwritten letters?

300

This country celebrates Mother’s Day on May 10 every year.

What is Mexico?

300

A red or pink carnation symbolizes this.

What is a living mother?

300

This famous TV mom is the mother on The Brady Bunch.

Who is Carol Brady?

300

Anna Jarvis later fought against this trend related to the holiday.

What is commercialization?

400

This earlier 19th-century activist created “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to improve sanitation.

Who is Ann Reeves Jarvis?

400

In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the birthday of this queen.

Who is Queen Sirikit?

400

This general theme was central to Julia Ward Howe’s vision for Mother’s Day.

What is peace?

400

This animated Disney movie features a mother named Elinor who turns into a bear.

What is Brave?

400

This communication method sees a major increase on Mother’s Day.

What are phone calls?

500

This Civil War–era event inspired early Mother’s Day peace efforts led by Julia Ward Howe.

What is the American Civil War?

500

In Ethiopia, families celebrate mothers with a multi-day feast called this.

What is Antrosht?

500

This month is associated with Mother’s Day in many countries due to spring symbolism.

What is May?

500

This term describes a sentimental poem or message often written for mothers.

What is a tribute?

500

In the U.S., Mother’s Day ranks among the top holidays for purchasing this type of gift item.

What is jewelry?