From Protest to Celebration — The Story Behind Mother's Day

The second Sunday of May means something special in homes across Australia. But how did Mother's Day actually begin — and why does it matter?

A Daughter's Mission

Mother's Day as we celebrate it today traces back to one determined woman: Anna Jarvis. After losing her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, in 1905, Anna set out to create an official day of recognition for mothers everywhere. In 1908, she organised the first formal Mother's Day service in Grafton, West Virginia. Six years later, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday — always the second Sunday of May.

The story has a bittersweet twist. Anna Jarvis spent her later years fighting against the very holiday she created, appalled by its commercialisation. She wanted heartfelt recognition — not chocolate boxes and department store sales.

Older Roots

The idea of honouring mothers is far older. Ancient Greeks celebrated Rhea, mother of the gods. Romans held festivals for Cybele, a mother goddess. In 16th-century England, "Mothering Sunday" saw people return to their home parish church — and bring their mothers a simnel cake.

Australia adopted the second-Sunday-in-May tradition, and it has been observed here ever since.

This Year: Sunday 10 May 2026

With Mother's Day falling on 10 May, now is the time to think about what you'd like to give — or how you'd like to be celebrated.

At Exquisite Homewares, we believe the best gifts are the ones that stay. A beautifully crafted piece of bone china. A set of tableware that comes out for every special occasion. Something chosen with care, not grabbed in a rush.

Browse our Mother's Day collection and find something Mum will reach for again and again.

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Sources: Smithsonian Magazine — "The Woman Who Invented Mother's Day"; History.com — "The History of Mother's Day"; National Museum of Australia — Mother's Day in Australia