Mother's Day is a special time of year when we come together to honor and celebrate the incredible women who have nurtured, inspired, and loved us unconditionally. One of the most enduring and cherished ways to express our gratitude and affection is through the gift of flowers. In this blog post, we'll explore the history and significance of Mother's Day flowers, as well as some popular blooms to consider for your own Mother's Day celebrations.
The tradition of giving flowers to mothers dates back to ancient times. In ancient Greece, flowers were offered to Rhea, the mother of the gods, as a sign of respect and adoration. Similarly, in the Roman Empire, flowers were presented to the goddess Cybele during the annual festival of Hilaria.
Fast forward to the 17th century in England, and we find the origins of Mothering Sunday - a day when children would return to their "mother church" and present their mothers with flowers as a token of love and appreciation. Over time, this custom evolved into the modern celebration of Mother's Day.
Mother's Day was officially recognized in the United States in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson designated the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers. The practice of giving flowers on Mother's Day quickly gained popularity and has since become an integral part of the occasion.
Each flower has its own unique meaning and symbolism, making them the perfect way to convey your heartfelt sentiments on Mother's Day. Carnations, for example, are considered the traditional Mother's Day flower. Pink carnations symbolize a mother's love, while white carnations represent the purity of a mother's heart. The tradition began with the founder of Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis, who distributed 500 white carnations at the first Mother's Day celebration in 1908.
Roses are always a classic choice. Pink roses symbolize gratitude and admiration, while red roses signify deep love and respect. Elegant and fragrant lilies are a popular choice for Mother's Day arrangements, with white lilies often associated with purity and virtue and pink lilies representing love and admiration.
Bright and cheerful tulips are a symbol of perfect love, making them a lovely gift for Mother's Day. Pink tulips express affection and red tulips signify deep, enduring love. Orchids, known for their exotic beauty, are a symbol of strength, love, and refinement, making them an excellent choice for a Mother's Day bouquet.
As Mother's Day approaches, consider the rich history and symbolism behind the flowers you choose for your mom's special day. Whether you opt for a classic bouquet of carnations or a more modern arrangement featuring a variety of blooms, the gift of flowers will always hold a special place in our hearts as a timeless tribute to the love we share with our mothers.
Happy Mother's Day from all of us at M'NY Flowers!
