Celebrating mums around the world this International Mother’s Day

While the UK celebrates Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent, around the world the festival of mums takes place on a variety of different dates. Norway, for example, celebrates on the second Sunday of February, while in Russia it’s the last Sunday in November. That said, there is one day that unites nations around the world – International Mother’s Day.

Celebrated on the second Sunday in May (9th May in 2021), countries that Direct2florist customers can book International Mother’s Day flower delivery include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Malta, New Zealand, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and the United States.

Battling against male bias

This ‘official’ Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis. Following her mother’s death in 1905, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honouring the sacrifices mothers made for their children.

“After gaining financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker, in May 1908 she organised the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. That same day also saw thousands of people attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia.

Following this success, Anna resolved to see her holiday added to the national calendar, arguing that American holidays were biased toward male achievements. By 1912 many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother’s Day as an annual holiday, and Jarvis had established the Mother’s Day International Association to help promote her cause (which is why the day is celebrated in so many countries around the world). Her persistence paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Flowers to celebrate International Mother’s Day

When it comes to International Mother’s Day flowers, carnations are the flower historically associated with the day. Traditionally, a pink carnation is worn if your mother is alive and a white one in memory of a mother who is deceased. In 1907, Anna Jarvis sent white carnations (her mother’s favourite flower) to every mother at her West Virginia congregation on the anniversary of her mother’s death. For Mother’s Day, pink carnations are popular, possibly because they represent a mother’s love, while white symbolises pure or unconditional love and good luck.

Today, while carnations still feature in International Mother’s Day flower designs, Direct2florist’s customers can choose from a huge selection of mum’s favourite flowers (we’ve pulled together a list of favourites here).

Whether you’re sending International Mother's Day flowers to New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada or anywhere else celebrating the big day across the Direct2florist’s international network, we’ll connect you with a skilled local florist offering a super selection of floral gifts.

From traditional seasonal bouquets to contemporary designs, we’re sure you’ll find something suitable for all tastes. What's more, because you'll be dealing directly with a florist where your flowers will be delivered, you can choose what you send your mum based on all-important local variations regarding flower availability.

Delivery on International Mother's Day itself is possible too – simply select the location where you’re sending flowers to here. There, you’ll be able to choose from a huge selection of florists and gift ideas. And remember, with Direct2Florist, 100% of the flower value goes to the florist, unlike with our rivals.

So, for the perfect International Mother’s Day flowers, look no further – let Direct2florist take the strain... we know your mum will be pleased.

Here are some of our favourites from this year's International Mother's Day flowers

By Austin Clark 12 March 2021