🌸 The Origin of Mother’s Day (And Why We Give Flowers)

Each May, we pause to celebrate the women who shaped our lives with care, strength, and unconditional love. But have you ever wondered where Mother’s Day comes from—or why flowers are the gift of choice?

At The Flower Bar, we love the traditions that bring people closer. And few are as meaningful (or as beautiful) as the act of giving flowers on Mother’s Day.

💐 A Brief History of Mother’s Day

The modern version of Mother’s Day has its roots in the early 20th century, but honoring mothers goes back much further.

In ancient Greece and Rome, festivals were held in honor of mother goddesses like Rhea and Cybele. In the UK, a version of Mother’s Day called “Mothering Sunday” emerged in the 1600s, tied to church traditions and family gatherings.

But the U.S. holiday we know today was founded in 1908 by a woman named Anna Jarvis. After her mother passed away, Anna began campaigning for a national day to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Ironically, Anna Jarvis would later fight against the commercialization of the holiday she created—but one tradition she always supported was the giving of flowers.

🌷 Why Flowers?

Flowers have long been a symbol of love, beauty, and appreciation—all things we associate with motherhood.

In the early days of the holiday, carnations became the official flower of Mother’s Day, especially white carnations, which Anna Jarvis chose to honor her late mother. Over time, people began choosing flowers that reflected personal connections, favorite colors, or meaningful floral symbolism.

Today, giving flowers on Mother’s Day is more than just tradition—it’s a deeply personal gesture of gratitude.

Whether it’s a bouquet of roses for admiration, tulips for comfort, lilacs for new beginnings, or a mix of garden favorites, flowers speak the quiet language of love.

🌼 What Flowers Say Without Words

Every bloom has its own story to tell. Here are a few favorites we love using in our Mother’s Day arrangements:

• Peonies – Romance, honor, and good fortune

• Roses (soft tones) – Gratitude and admiration

• Ranunculus – Radiant charm and appreciation

• Lilac – Remembrance and first love

• Dahlias – Strength and inner grace

We design each arrangement at The Flower Bar with color, sentiment, and seasonality in mind—so no two bouquets are ever quite the same. Because no two mothers are either.

💖 Celebrating All Kinds of Motherhood

Mother’s Day isn’t just about biological moms. It’s for stepmoms, grandmas, aunties, chosen family, and all the women who show up, give love, and make space for growth.

Flowers are a way to honor their impact—with something fleeting yet beautiful, just like the everyday moments that make a mother’s love so special.

🌸 This Mother’s Day, Say It With Flowers

Whether you’re delivering in person, sending from afar, or surprising someone who doesn’t expect it—flowers are more than a gift. They’re a memory, a thank-you, and a hug in bloom.

Let us help you create something unforgettable this Mother’s Day.

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Want a custom bouquet with her favorite flower? Or a wrapped bouquet paired with handcrafted self-care? We’ve got you. 🌷

Explore our Mother’s Day Collection → Shop Now!