Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

Mothers at the Wall Day – May 12, 2024

Mothers at the Wall Day (M.A.T.W.D.) is observed on the second Sunday of May every year. This year it falls on May 12 Moms don’t get days off. Instead, they are rewarded with sticky kisses, the occasional macaroni necklace, and the gratification of seeing their children grow into happy, healthy adults. That’s probably insufficient compensation for all they do, so give Mom an extra embrace this Mothers at the Wall Day.

History of Mothers at the Wall Day

The first successful attempt to create a day reserved for celebrating mothers is credited to two women, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis. They are thought to have established the idea in the United States. Julia proposed an annual celebration in 1870 to inspire women’s pacifism and disarmament. Julia’s support ensured that the holiday was celebrated in Boston for the next ten years. However, the craze went out quickly.

In ancient times, festivals honoring mothers were frequently associated with gods and goddesses. The Phrygians celebrated ‘Cybele,’ the Great Mother of the Gods, with a feast. The Greeks and Romans both revered their gods’ mothers. ‘Durga-puja,’ an important event in India, honors the goddess Durga until today.

Mothers at the Wall Day is celebrated in the United States and many other nations as a time to launch feminist activities. For example, in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife used the day to organize a march to help impoverished women and children in society. In 1970, a similar movement was launched to stress the importance of equality for everybody and access to childcare.

Take this observance as an opportunity to shower your mother with some much-deserved love. Holidays dedicated to celebrating mothers are becoming increasingly popular. Some countries experience record phone line traffic as children — young and old — call their mothers to celebrate.

Mothers at the Wall Day timeline

700 B.C.
Spring Festivals are Held

Spring festivals commemorating the maternal goddess Rhea as well as all mothers are held.

1600s
Mothering Sunday Begins in the United Kingdom

This begins as a strictly religious event, with people attending their ‘mother church’ on the fourth Sunday of Lent, usually in March.

1920s
Mothers are Honored with Medals in France

Mothers of large families in France receive medals to recognize their contributions to the reconstruction of the population following World War I.

2018
Retailers Sell Record Numbers

On Mother's Day, over $23 billion is spent on gifts.

Mothers at the Wall Day FAQs

Is Mother’s Day a global celebration?

Over 50 countries celebrate Mother’s Day. The holiday, however, is held on several different dates depending on the country.

Where is Father’s Day celebrated?

Canada, the United States, and the U.K. all celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June. Other nations such as France, Argentina, Greece, Mexico, and South Africa also celebrate the holiday.

What are Mother’s Day colors?

Green represents mothers’ protective nature, while yellow represents their optimistic outlook on life and for their children. Pink emphasizes their compassionate and nurturing side, while red emphasizes their passion and empowerment drive.

How to Observe Mothers at the Wall Day

  1. Decorate your mother's door or send flowers

    If you live nearby, you can have fun decorating your mother's front door. You can decoarte it with streamers, personalized signs, a wreath, and flowers.

  2. Take her out

    If you're all together at home, host a movie night. You can also take her dancing or roller skating for an adventurous time.

  3. Create a unique gift

    You don’t need a ton of money to give the perfect gift. Get creative — gifts from the heart are always appreciated by mothers.

5 Mind-blowing Facts About Mothers

  1. Floral attraction

    Flower sales on Mother's Day are up around 70% compared to most other days of the year.

  2. Mother of the year

    Octopus moms go without food for 40 days while guarding their eggs until they hatch.

  3. Hello mom

    There are about 120 million calls made to mothers across the world each year on Mother’s Day.

  4. Never too late

    Rajo Devi, who was 70 years old at the time, gave birth to her first child in 2008.

  5. Mom army

    There are over two billion human mothers across the globe.

Why Mothers at the Wall Day is Important

  1. Moms are amazing

    We sometimes take our parents for granted, as we do so many other constants in our lives. After all, we've known them our entire lives. Today’s the perfect time to make an exception.

  2. Moms are fearless

    Moms are real-life rockstars. From carrying kids in their bellies for nine months to raising them, their strength and sacrifice are awe-inspiring.

  3. Celebrating all women

    Perhaps the woman who gave birth to you is no longer with you, but it's a safe bet that there are other strong, influential women in your life. Mother figures come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so don't take time to thank women who work hard and love others.

Mothers at the Wall Day dates

YearDateDay
2022May 8Sunday
2023May 14Sunday
2024May 12Sunday
2025May 11Sunday
2026May 10Sunday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.