Mother's Day 2024 in USA: Check Date, Significance and Is it a Federal Holiday?

Every year on the second Sunday of May, the United States comes together to celebrate mothers and mother figures with a day dedicated to love, appreciation, and gratitude. 

Mother's Day is a time to celebrate not only biological mothers, but also grandmothers, stepmoms, foster moms, adoptive mothers, and any woman who plays a nurturing role in our lives. It's a day to cherish the strength, love, and guidance they provide.

Mother’s Day 2024: Date

This year, Mother's Day falls on May 12th, 2024, and promises to be another heartwarming occasion to honour the amazing women in our lives.

Mother’s Day 2024: History

The origins of Mother's Day in the US can be traced back to the mid-1800s with the efforts of several remarkable women.  Julia Ward Howe, a social activist, advocated for a "Mother's Day of Peace" to unite mothers against war.  

However, the holiday we know today is largely credited to Anna Jarvis, who campaigned tirelessly to honour mothers after her own mother's passing.  In 1914, Mother's Day officially became a nationally recognised holiday.

The History.com mentions: “The origins of Mother’s Day as celebrated in the United States date back to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War, Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs" to teach local women how to properly care for their children.”

“These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.”

“Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from the abolitionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace. In 1873 Howe campaigned for a “Mother’s Peace Day” to be celebrated every June 2,” it adds. 

Mother’s Day 2024: Significance

Mother's Day prompts us to express our heartfelt gratitude for the countless ways mothers enrich our lives. It's a time to reflect on their sacrifices – the sleepless nights, the unwavering support, the constant encouragement. We are reminded of the values they instilled in us and the strength they nurtured within us.

Mother's Day isn't just about grand gestures or expensive gifts. Its true significance lies in creating lasting memories.  A handwritten letter expressing your love, a breakfast in bed prepared with love, or simply spending quality time together – these are the moments that truly resonate with mothers.

While Mother's Day serves as a dedicated day for appreciation, its significance goes beyond the 24 hours. It's a reminder to carry the spirit of gratitude throughout the year. 

Mother’s Day 2024: Is it a Federal Holiday?

While Mother's Day 2024, which falls on May 12th, is a significant day to honour mothers across the USA, it's important to note that it is not a federal holiday.

• Federal Holidays: These are days designated by the U.S. government as official days off for federal employees. They are typically days of national significance, such as Independence Day or Thanksgiving.
• Mother's Day: Since it's not established by the federal government, businesses, schools, and government offices remain open as usual on Mother's Day. Public transportation also follows its regular Sunday schedule.

READ| Mother’s Day 2024: Top 11 Fun Facts You Need to Know and Share