Mother's Day

Mother's Day History

Mother's Day is dedicated to expressing love and appreciation to mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures. The observance of this special day serves to bring families together, often commemorated with get-togethers, gifts, and heartfelt messages or gestures of appreciation for the immense role mothers play in our lives.

The observance of Mother's Day can be traced back to ancient customs, such as the Greek and Roman mother goddess practices; however, its more recognizable modern form started in the United States in the early 20th century. The concept of Muttertag, as it is known in Germany, was brought into the country in the 1920s by a lady called Anna Jarvis. World War II played a crucial role in the spread of the Mother's Day tradition in Germany, as honoring mothers of soldiers was seen as a way to boost morale for parents who had lost, or could potentially lose, their sons in the conflict. Today, the holiday is firmly established in the cultural calendar, and many people take the opportunity to celebrate the strength, love, and sacrifices mothers make for their families.

On this day, families gather to offer gifts, spend time together, and honor their beloved maternal figures, strengthening the bond that unites them. Mother's Day is observed on the second Sunday in May, unless this date coincides with Pentecost; in such cases, the occasion is celebrated on the first Sunday in May.

Mother's Day facts

• Julia Ward Howe, the author of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, came up with the notion of a Mother's Day in 1870. In a proclamation, she urged mothers to take a stand against sons killing the sons of other mothers.
• In the animal kingdom, Orangutan moms are the "primate champion" of motherhood, having the longest dependent care period among great apes, with their offspring weaning off at about 6 to 7 years old.
• In the past, some German mothers used beer as a recommended drink while breastfeeding. This practice stemmed from the German beer purity law, Reinheitsgebot, introduced in 1516, which ensured the beverage contained only water, barley, and hops.
• In addition to maternity leave, parents in Germany are eligible for 'Elterngeld,' a parental allowance that amounts to up to 67 percent of their net income. This allowance is provided for a maximum of 14 months, with both parents sharing the time.

In the News and Trending in Germany for Mother's Day

Top things to do in Germany for Mother's Day

• Send mom and grandma flowers. You can either pick them up and deliver them yourself if you are nearby or use one of many online services that ship directly to her door.
• Give mom a gift she will really appreciate - a day at the spa or a weekend off.
• Visit the Mother's Day Market at Schloss Benrath. The Mother's Day Market is held in Düsseldorf and features a variety of gift options, including flowers, ceramics, and handmade crafts.
• The Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome in Berlin hosts a Mother's Day brunch with a view, offering panoramic views of the city skyline from their rooftop terrace.