Mother's Day In Australia
Mother's Day will be celebrated next on May 12, 2024.
Mother's Day is observed every year on the second Sunday of May to celebrate mothers and mothers-like figures in our lives.
It is not a public holiday, so schools and businesses follow the usual Sunday routine.
Although every day should be a celebration of these incredible women who play a pivotal role in shaping our lives, Mother's Day is an opportunity for us to show them our appreciation.
Mother's Day is celebrated across the globe, in Australia, Canada, and India. Some countries such as The United Kingdom celebrate it at a different time of the year. However, many Australians follow the Mother's Day traditions that originated from countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
History of Mother's Day in Australia
Mother's Day celebrations roots back to the ancient Romans and Greek, and it started in the United States in 1905. However, Australia only started celebrating it in 1910 with special church services. However, it was not popular until the 1920s, when the tradition of giving gifts began in 1924.
A woman named Janet Heyden from Sydney got motivated to collect and distribute gifts for the old, lonely mothers in Newington hospital who lost their husbands and sons during the first world war.
Heyden was a member of the committee “Home for Destitute Women and Children in Strathfield” and this idea came to her while she was visiting a newly transferred patient to that nursing home.
In an interview given in the Sydney Morning Herald in 1954, she said
That was when I decided something should be done to brighten the lonely lives of the mothers there. I organized gifts for them on Mother's Day. Even a little remembrance like hairpins (they wouldn't be much good these days, would they?), a hankie or a cake of soap meant a lot to people like that.
The late Alderman Dyer, who was Mayor of Leichhardt, used to drive me around to the old mothers of the district with my gift installments
For seven years in succession the appeal through the newspapers made sure that hundreds of mothers who would otherwise have been forgotten received a Mother's Day gift
Today, of course, a gift for mother is just a natural thing."
Heyden then wanted to make this a bigger initiative, so she appealed to the masses with the help of local newspapers. This became a huge success, and the gifts soon began to pour in.
How to Celebrate Mother's Day in Australia
The Mother's Day Classic
The Mother's Day Classic is a special event that helps collect money and spread awareness for breast and ovarian cancer research. It's been happening since 1998 and has raised a huge $44 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Over 1.6 million people have taken part in the event so far. In 2024, the Mother's Day Classic will be held on Sunday, May 12th.
Since, it is autumn during Mother's Day is Australia, white chrysanthemums are a great traditional gift.
You can make it special by simple heartfelt gestures like cooking her favourite food, making her a card, taking her out or just simply spending time with her.
Be it a BBQ brunch or a picnic at the beach, this day is all about expressing your gratitude for mothers, grandmothers, and motherly figures.
Mother's Day is more than just gifts and cards; it's about expressing gratitude and celebrating the diverse roles of women in society.
It's a time to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of mothers everywhere, while also advocating for gender equality and addressing important issues like maternal health and education.
Additionally, you can spread joy by donating or gifting to those who may be feeling lonely or residing in care homes or old age facilities.
Ultimately, Mother's Day is a reminder of the enduring spirit of motherhood and the profound impact mothers have on shaping the future with their love, strength, and resilience.
When the sun goes down on this special day, people make happy memories, laugh a lot, and love shines brightly in Australia.
