Badge: Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day celebrates those we call “mom” in our hearts and minds. This might be our actual mothers, a grandmother or other female figure that has a major influence on our lives. Explore as we celebrate this holiday.

Steps

1. Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day celebrates mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds worldwide. Ann Jarvis created a committee in 1868 to establish a “Mother’s Friendship Day.” Around 1879, Julia Ward Howe called for a Mother’s Day to encourage pacifism. Find out more about the history of this holiday.

2. World.

In the US, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It may have originated in North America, but it is also celebrated worldwide. Usually, it is celebrated in March or May. Find out about the different days this holiday is celebrated on outside of the US.

3. More than mom.

As this holiday grows, it is no longer restricted to mothers. Step-mothers, grandmothers and anyone who has acted “motherly” are honored. Who will you honor on this holiday? How will you honor her or them?

4. Commercialism.

As with many holidays, businesses like to jump on any reason for a sale, special offer or way they can use it to sell goods and services. Take note of those you see advertised. How many are actually designed to celebrate mothers? How many are just using the holiday as an excuse to make money?

5. Handmade.

Schools, youth groups and even family members make handmade gifts for their mothers. Explore more about making gifts with the Enrichment Project badge program “Mother’s Day Crafts” or search online to find a project or two to try.

Traditions

6. US traditions.

Explore traditions for this holiday for people in the United States. List each with a brief description.

7. World traditions.

In many world cultures, celebrations that pre-dated the US holiday are incorporated. For example, the Greek celebration of Cybele, the Roman festival of Hilaria, and the Christian Mothering Sunday are just a few. Review world traditions. List those that you might like to incorporate into your own traditions.

8. Edible traditions.

Locally, many restaurants have special deals and offerings for this holiday. The thought is that mothers traditionally are in the kitchen making meals for their family. Instead, the family makes food for their mothers . . . or in most cases they go out to eat. Explore the restaurants in your area. What offerings do they have available that you might want to be part of?

9. Flower traditions.

Sending or giving flowers is a tradition in the US that, like eating out, is huge. Carnations are one symbol of the holiday. Look how the giving of flowers has evolved. If you participate in the tradition, how do you determine the flowers you give?

10. My traditions.

Create a list of your own family’s traditions in regards to Mother’s Day. Look through the other traditions above. Are there any you would like to incorporate in your own celebration? You may need to adapt a bit, but be sure to document what you did and if you want to do it again!

11. Mother’s Day Movement.

This movement works to help mothers who are fighting oppression in the developing world. Find out more about this organization and its past campaigns.

Supplements

SUPP_Mothers Day_2in_12up_larajla

Avery 2” round label printable, 12 up

SUPP_ Mothers Day_Checklist_larajla

Badge checklist

SUPP_Printable_ Mothers Day_Word_larajla

Word list for Mother’s Day

SUPP_Puzzle Fun_SC_ Mothers Day_larajla

Puzzle Fun: Mother’s Day Scramble

SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WF_ Mothers Day_larajla

Puzzle Fun: Mother’s Day Word Find

Sites to Explore

Get the infographic here > larajla blog post

Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs