Mother’s Day is a cherished tradition, a time to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of mothers around the world. At Tognoli Florist, we take pride in helping you express your love with exquisite floral arrangements. As we prepare for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11, 2025, let’s dive into the rich history and global traditions of this special day, including the fascinating story of Anna Jarvis, the woman behind its modern observance.
The Origins of Mother’s Day
The roots of Mother’s Day stretch back to ancient times.
In Greece, people celebrated Rea, the mother of gods like Zeus and Poseidon, with offerings and festivities.
In Rome, the festival of “Hilaria” honored Cybele, the mother goddess, and featured three days of ceremonies starting on March 15.
Similarly, in Egypt, Isis, the mother of pharaohs, was revered as a symbol of maternal devotion.
Fast forward to the 19th century, and Mother’s Day as we know it began to take shape in the United States, thanks to the tireless efforts of two remarkable women: Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis.
Anna Jarvis: The Passion and the Paradox
The modern version of Mother’s Day owes much to Anna Jarvis, an American homemaker who wanted to dedicate a special day to all mothers, inspired by the life and legacy of her own mother, Ann Marie Jarvis. Ann Marie had been a social activist during the U.S. Civil War, organizing women to care for soldiers on both sides of the conflict. She often expressed her hope:
“I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will dedicate a day to honor mothers and their unparalleled service to humanity in every area of life” (National Women’s History Alliance).
When Ann Marie passed away in 1905, Anna Jarvis took these words to heart. That same year, she founded the International Mother’s Day Association. She chose the second Sunday of May, the anniversary of her mother’s death, to commemorate the occasion.
In 1907, Anna held the first modern Mother’s Day celebration in a church in Grafton, West Virginia, gifting 500 white carnations to mothers in the congregation. Carnations, her mother’s favorite flower, symbolized purity, love, and enduring motherhood.
Anna’s campaign to make Mother’s Day a national holiday succeeded in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law. However, as the holiday’s popularity grew, so did Anna’s frustration with its commercialization.
Anna Jarvis became a vocal critic of businesses—especially florists, candy makers, and card manufacturers—that she believed were exploiting the holiday for profit. For her, Mother’s Day was meant to be a “sacred” day for families to honor their mothers with heartfelt gestures, not commercial transactions. Despite her efforts to reclaim the holiday’s spirit, she spent the final years of her life disheartened by how it had evolved.
Honoring Anna Jarvis’s Vision
Anna Jarvis’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the deeper meaning behind Mother’s Day. While she criticized the commercialization of the holiday, her original intent remains timeless: to honor the unparalleled contributions of mothers with genuine love and gratitude.
At Tognoli Florist, we respect Anna Jarvis’s vision by creating floral arrangements that go beyond simple transactions. Our flowers are thoughtfully designed to help families express their feelings in a personal and meaningful way. For us, each bouquet represents more than just beauty—it’s a symbol of heartfelt appreciation, love, and connection.
Thoughtful, Not Commercial: The Tognoli Florist Approach
We believe flowers are a powerful way to convey emotions that words sometimes cannot. This Mother’s Day, instead of focusing on materialism, we encourage our customers to embrace the holiday’s original intent: showing love and gratitude for mothers everywhere. Our team carefully crafts each bouquet with this philosophy in mind, ensuring that every arrangement feels unique and genuine.
Here’s how we honor the spirit of Mother’s Day:
• Personalized Floral Designs: From classic carnations to vibrant spring blooms, we create arrangements tailored to your mom’s personality and preferences.
• Heartfelt Delivery: Our local delivery service ensures your gift arrives fresh and full of love, whether you’re near or far.
• A Commitment to Quality: Every bouquet is designed with care, reflecting the importance of this special day.
By choosing Tognoli Florist, you’re not just giving flowers—you’re giving a meaningful gesture that celebrates your mom’s irreplaceable role in your life.
How Mother’s Day is Celebrated Around the World
While the U.S. observes Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, traditions vary worldwide. Here are some highlights:
• United States (May 11, 2025): Families gather to honor mothers with gifts, cards, and flowers. Carnations, Anna Jarvis’s favorite flower, symbolize purity and enduring love.
• Spain (May 4, 2025): Celebrated on the first Sunday of May, Mother’s Day in Spain is deeply rooted in Catholic traditions, often linked to the Virgin Mary.
• Mexico (May 10, 2025): Known as “Día de las Madres”, this vibrant celebration features mariachi music, family meals, and abundant floral gifts.
• Thailand (August 12): Mother’s Day coincides with the birthday of Queen Sirikit, and jasmine flowers, symbolizing maternal love and purity, are the traditional gift.
• Russia (March 8): Celebrated alongside International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day in Russia honors mothers and women in general.
• Argentina (October 19, 2025): Celebrated on the third Sunday of October, this date reflects the Catholic tradition of honoring the Virgin Mary’s motherhood.
Celebrate Mother’s Day 2025 with Tognoli Florist
At Tognoli Florist, we specialize in creating heartfelt floral arrangements that make every mom feel special. Whether you’re hosting a Mother’s Day brunch or sending flowers from afar, our expertly crafted bouquets convey love and appreciation. Here are some of our popular choices:
• Classic Carnations: A timeless symbol of love and admiration.
• Roses in Soft Hues: Perfect for expressing gratitude.
• Seasonal Spring Blooms: Fresh tulips, lilies, and daffodils add a touch of brightness to any celebration.
Order early to ensure timely delivery and avoid the holiday rush. We proudly offer local delivery throughout Gaithersburg, Maryland, and nearby areas including Rockville, Germantown, Laytonsville, and Clarksburg.
A Legacy of Love
This Mother’s Day, let’s honor both the mothers we cherish and the legacy of Anna Jarvis. Whether it’s with a bouquet of white carnations, a handwritten note, or simply spending quality time together, every gesture counts. Visit Tognoli Florist to explore our Mother’s Day collection and make this year’s celebration unforgettable.
Let’s celebrate the love, strength, and sacrifices of mothers everywhere on Sunday, May 11, 2025!
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