History of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day has been celebrated for more than a century, beginning in the United States when one woman honored her late mother by placing her favorite flowers as a tribute to the lasting impact she had on her community. Since then, flowers have remained at the heart of Mother’s Day, shaping both its meaning and the traditions we continue to cherish today.

The Origin of Mother's Day

On May 10^th, 1908, Anna Jarvis delivered five hundred white carnations to Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, for a memorial service. Her mother had taught Sunday school there for decades, and the massive order of her mother’s favorite flower was delivered to the church as a tribute to her and mothers everywhere.

Later that afternoon, over 15,000 people attended a Mother’s Day service at an auditorium in Philadelphia, which Jarvis also organized in an effort to establish the first official day honoring moms everywhere - and Mother’s Day was born!

Six years later, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson adopted the second Sunday in May as the official holiday to celebrate our mothers. In the century since, the tradition of Mother’s Day has been largely driven by the floral and greeting card industries and is now a hugely successful day for both.

Symbolism of Carnations

Without florists delivering carnations every second Sunday in May, the holiday may have slipped into obscurity. Instead, millions of flowers are purchased for mothers every year, making it one of the biggest days for sales of flowers in the year! Of course, giving mom red carnations (the official flower of Mother's Day) or a beautiful bouquet with carnations is always a wonderful idea. 

• Red carnations are shared to signify respect and sincere love for all the mothers we're fortunate enough to have in our lives.
• White carnations are displayed in honor of the mothers who have passed and are no longer with us.
• Pink carnations symbolize a mother's love and are a sign of appreciation.
• Purple carnations are best for the adventurous, impulsive mom. Give her these to celebrate her spontaneous next escapade.
• Yellow carnations are absolutely beautiful, but do not have the happiest meaning. They symbolize disappointment and rejection, which makes them a really beautiful gift for mom if you need to mend your relationship and say sorry.

The entire Details Flowers family is wishing our mothers, and mothers everywhere, a very happy Mother's Day. We hope you're able to give your mom a hug or, at least, share some flowers! Happy Mother's Day!

Support Your Local Florists!

Mother’s Day is one of the most meaningful times of year to celebrate the people who nurture, support, and shape our lives—and local florists play a big part in bringing those moments to life. Choosing to support a local florist means more than just buying flowers; it means investing in skilled designers who thoughtfully source blooms, create custom arrangements with care, and pour creativity into every order.

It also helps strengthen small businesses in your community during their busiest and most important season. This Mother’s Day, shopping local ensures your flowers are fresher, more personal, and made with intention—just like the love you’re celebrating!

If you’re a florist still accepting last-minute Mother’s Day orders, Details Direct offers next-day shipping to help you get it done in time. Want to learn more about Details Direct? Click the image below to explore more!