Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and with it comes the age-old tradition of giving your mom a heartfelt gift to show your love and appreciation. While there are countless options out there, one gift has stood the test of time: flowers.
But have you ever wondered how this tradition started? Why do we give our moms bouquets on Mother’s Day, and why do certain flowers seem more popular than others?
Join us as we explore the rich history behind this beloved custom, from carnations to roses and beyond.
The Origins of Mother’s Day in the US
The Mother’s Day we celebrate today has its origins in the United States. It was first conceptualized by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official holiday in 1914. Jarvis had originally intended for the holiday to be a day of personal celebration between mothers and their children. However, it wasn’t long before the commercial world caught wind of the holiday and began to market it as a day for giving gifts.
While the origin of Mother’s Day is somewhat murky, its modern incarnation is a fairly recent phenomenon. The holiday really took off in the 1950s and 1960s, when retailers began to heavily promote it as a time to buy gifts for Mom. Today, Mother’s Day is one of the biggest gift-giving holidays of the year. So if you’re looking to show your mom some extra love this year, consider giving her a traditional Mother’s Day gift like a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates.
The Development of Carnations as a Gift for Mothers
Carnations have been associated with Mother’s Day since its earliest celebrations in the early 20th century. They are available in a wide range of colors, which can represent different meanings. For example, red carnations symbolize love and admiration, while white carnations represent purity and innocence.
While roses are now the most popular flower given on Mother’s Day, carnations still hold a special place in the holiday. In fact, many people give their mothers both roses and carnations to show their appreciation for all that she does.
Rose’s Emergence as the Definitive Mother’s Day Gift
When it comes to Mother’s Day, there is no gift more traditional than a bouquet of roses. In fact, roses have become so synonymous with the holiday that they are often referred to as the “definitive Mother’s Day gift.” But how did roses come to be the go-to present for moms across the country?
It all started back in 1908 when Anna Jarvis, the woman credited with creating Mother’s Day, held a memorial for her mother at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. At the service, she handed out carnations—her mother’s favorite flower—to all of the attendees. The following year, Jarvis held another memorial service and again distributed carnations, but this time she also suggested that people wear them in honor of their own mothers.
The tradition of giving carnations on Mother’s Day continued for several years until World War I broke out in Europe. Carnations were then imported from Germany and became quite expensive. As a result, many people began looking for a cheaper alternative—and that’s where roses came in.
Roses were already a popular symbol of love and appreciation, so it wasn’t long before they became the go-to flower for Mother’s Day. And as the holiday grew in popularity, so did the tradition of giving roses to moms. You can find roses in every color, size and arrangement imaginable these days, but no matter the bouquet, roses remain the definitive gift for Mother’s Day.
Cultural Significance of Roses on Mother’s Day
The rose is the most traditional gift for Mother’s Day, and there are many reasons for this. Roses have been associated with mothers and motherhood for centuries, and their beauty and fragrance make them the perfect way to show your love and appreciation for Mom. Roses also symbolize all that is romantic and beautiful about motherhood, which makes them the perfect gift for a special day like Mother’s Day.
Alternatives to Roses as a Gift for Mother’s Day
While roses are the most traditional gift for Mother’s Day, there are many other thoughtful gifts that your mom is sure to love. If you’re looking for something different this year, consider one of these alternative options:
- A potted plant: A potted plant is a great way to show your mom that you’re thinking of her long after Mother’s Day has come and gone. Plus, it’s a gift that keeps on giving!
- A bouquet of her favorite flowers: Does your mom have a favorite flower? Why not surprise her with a bouquet of them on Mother’s Day?
- A homemade card or craft: Sometimes, the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that come from the heart. If you’re feeling crafty, consider making your mom a homemade card or gift.
- A day at the spa: Help your mom relax and rejuvenate with a day at the spa. She can enjoy some much-needed “me time” while being pampered from head to toe.
- A unique piece of jewelry: Is your mom always stylish? Treat her to a unique piece of jewelry that she can wear all year long.
Conclusion
Mother’s Day is a day to honor and celebrate the women who have shaped our lives most profoundly. Flowers have been an integral part of celebrating this special day, from carnations to roses. We hope that by understanding the history of these traditional gifts, you will be able to find something extra special for your own mother or mother figure on Mother’s Day. Flowers are always a great way to show someone how much they mean to us, especially when honoring the unending love we receive from mothers!
