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Mother’s Day is one of the most loved celebrations around the world. Each year, families take the opportunity to show appreciation for the incredible women who raise, nurture and support them. From heartfelt messages to thoughtful gifts and beautiful flowers for Mum, the day has become a meaningful tradition for millions.
But have you ever wondered how Mother’s Day began? The history behind this special day is surprisingly rich, filled with activism, heartfelt intentions and a global movement to honour mothers everywhere.
The modern version of Mother’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century and the efforts of an American woman named Anna Jarvis. Inspired by her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, she wanted to create a special day to recognise the sacrifices mothers make for their children.
Ann Reeves Jarvis was known for organising community groups that helped improve health and sanitation for families in the mid-1800s. She believed mothers played a vital role in supporting their communities and dreamed of a day that would celebrate their contributions.
After her mother passed away in 1905, Anna Jarvis worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality.
The first official Mother’s Day celebration took place in 1908 at a church service in West Virginia, United States. Anna Jarvis organised the event to honour her mother and distributed white carnations — a flower she chose to symbolise purity and unconditional love.
The idea quickly gained momentum. Communities across the United States embraced the celebration, recognising it as a meaningful way to honour mothers and their role in family life.
Anna Jarvis continued campaigning for Mother’s Day to become an official holiday. Her dedication paid off when, in 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.
From there, the tradition spread across the world. Many countries adopted the same date, while others created their own variations of the celebration.
Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 160 countries, often with flowers, gifts and family gatherings.
Mother’s Day arrived in Australia in the early 20th century. One of the first organised celebrations occurred in 1924 when Sydney resident Janet Heyden began a campaign to support elderly mothers who were alone in hospitals.
The idea resonated with communities across the country, and the tradition quickly grew. Australians now celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, just like the United States.
Over time, the celebration evolved into what we know today — a day dedicated to spending time with Mum and showing gratitude for everything she does.
Flowers have always been closely tied to Mother’s Day. In fact, the white carnation used in the first celebration became the symbolic flower of the holiday.
In Australia, chrysanthemums are also commonly associated with Mother’s Day, partly because they bloom during autumn and conveniently contain the word “mum.”
Today, sending Mother’s Day flowers remains one of the most meaningful and popular ways to celebrate Mum. A beautiful bouquet paired with a heartfelt message is a simple gesture that can make her day truly special.
While the origins of Mother’s Day were rooted in honour and gratitude, the celebration has grown into a global tradition. From breakfast in bed to thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts and flower delivery, families everywhere take time to recognise the love and dedication of mums.
For many, the day is less about grand gestures and more about appreciation — a chance to say thank you for the countless small things mothers do every day.
Whether it’s a hug, a handwritten card, or a surprise bouquet delivered to her door, the spirit of Mother’s Day remains the same: celebrating the extraordinary women who shape our lives.
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show Mum just how much she means to you. At LVLY, we make it easy to send thoughtful surprises with Mother’s Day flowers, gift bundles and same-day delivery across Australia.
Explore our curated range of blooms and gifts to find the perfect way to celebrate Mum this Mother’s Day. Enjoy same day flower delivery for Mum this Mother’s Day when you place your order before 4PM AEST.
Shop the full collection:
https://www.lvly.com.au/collections/mothers-day
