This year, Mother’s Day will take place on May 12, 2024. Read here why it is celebrated and what makes it different from Father’s Day.
Mother’s Day in Germany is always celebrated on the second Sunday in May. This special day is intended for every mother who should be thanked on this day for her love and care. Traditionally, flowers, a painted picture or a reservation at a nice restaurant are typical gifts for Mother’s Day. But to do this we also need to know when the day actually is.
This year Mother’s Day will take place on Sunday, May 12, 2024. The date of mid-May was set in the USA in 1914. More precisely, the official date of the first Mother’s Day was May 8, 1914. Since 1922, Mother’s Day has also been celebrated in Germany on the second Sunday in May.
The veneration of the mother has a long history, dating back to ancient times. Already in ancient times, for example, Rhea, the goddess of the earth and fertility, or the “great mother Cybele” was worshiped on certain days. In the Middle Ages, people primarily remembered the “Mother Church” or the Virgin Mary.
Modern Mother’s Day as we know it today has its origins in the United States. It was founded there by women’s rights activists such as Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis to honor mothers and advocate for peace and motherhood. Later, in the 20th century, the custom spread to other countries, including Germany, where it was officially established as a day of motherhood and recognition.
But every year you ask yourself the same question: What do I get my mother? We have collected a few ideas that might help you find the right gift.
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are celebrated in different ways in Germany. While moms are pampered and often spend time with the family, dads usually go out in a group and celebrate. The background could be that Mother’s Day has historical roots that go back to the 19th century. In Germany, Mother’s Day became popular after World War I and was later officially established to honor mothers and recognize their role in the family and society.
Father’s Day, on the other hand, has a different tradition. It is celebrated in Germany on the so-called “Ascension Day,” which falls on the 40th day after Easter. Father’s Day originally had a religious meaning, but over time it evolved into a day to honor fathers, often going on outings or celebrating together with friends or family.
