Every year, on the second Sunday in May, people from more than fifty countries across the world pause their routines to honor mothers. Whether it’s a brunch, a walk, a phone call, flowers, or a simple handwritten note. Mother’s Day is one of the world’s most universally celebrated holidays. But why do we mark this day every year? What makes Mother’s Day so resonant, so necessary, and so enduring?

At its heart, Mother’s Day is a celebration of gratitude. The act of mothering, nurturing, caring and sacrificing is so essential to the human experience that it transcends circumstances, and time periods.

The modern holiday originated in the early 20th century, but its roots stretch back thousands of years: ancient Greeks celebrated Rhea, the mother of all gods and of Zeus. In the United Kingdom, “Mothering Sunday” was as a day for early Christians to visit their “mother church,” often referring to where they were baptized, but over time it became associated with honoring mothers themselves.

The contemporary Mother’s Day was founded in the United States by social activist Anna Jarvis on May 10, 1908. She wanted to honor her own mother’s relentless dedication and the sacrifices all mothers make everywhere.

Jarvis campaigned tirelessly, believing that mothers deserved a day of recognition not just within the family, but in their communities as well. Her vision was a day of personal connection and appreciation, not commercialism. Ironically, as the holiday gained popularity, it also became more commercialized — a development that disturbed Jarvis herself. As the years passed, she grew so disenchanted with the growing commercialization of the day, she even tried to have Mother’s Day rescinded.

But beneath the flowers and greeting cards, the true spirit of Mother’s Day persists. Every year, we set aside time to acknowledge the often-unnoticed labor of mothers: the sleepless nights, the scraped knees bandaged, the emotional support, the wisdom imparted and the countless small acts of love that make up the fabric of our lives.

Mother’s Day offers a collective moment of reflection — a reminder to express gratitude, love and to remember that none of us arrives in this world, or makes it through, entirely on our own.

We celebrate Mother’s Day every year because mothers matter every year. The role of a mother is ongoing, demanding and ever-changing. Children grow and situations shift, but the need for love, guidance and support remains constant.

The day is about connection — not just between mother and child, but across families and communities. It prompts conversations, reunions and sometimes reconciliations. People travel long distances to spend time with their mothers; others take the opportunity to remember and honor those who are no longer with us.

For many, it’s also a day to recognize grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers and mother-figures — those who have stepped into the role in ways both ordinary and extraordinary.

Yet, Mother’s Day is not without its complexities. For some, the day is a poignant reminder of loss, infertility or strained relationships. For others, it highlights societal expectations that not everyone fits or desires. These nuances have prompted a broader, more inclusive understanding of what it means to “mother” and be mothered. Celebrating Mother’s Day every year gives us a chance to acknowledge these truths as well to hold space for joy and pain, gratitude and grief.

I pause every year to honor the mother that I never knew with my love and thoughts — “I miss you. I love you. And I will always wonder who we might have been, together.”

Some critics argue that Mother’s Day, like many holidays, has become overly commercialized. It’s true that advertisements urge us to buy gifts, book spa days or order special meals. But at its best, Mother’s Day is not about spending money, it’s about spending time and our attention. The most cherished gifts are often the simplest: a heartfelt conversation, a shared meal, a hike, a letter expressing what so often goes unsaid. The day’s true value lies in its ability to inspire genuine acts of love and recognition.

As we mark this day, we’re not just celebrating individuals; we’re affirming the importance of care, empathy and connection. We’re reminding ourselves and each other that the world is built on relationships, and that those who nurture and support others deserve our recognition and thanks.

So, whether with flowers, a phone call, or simply a quiet moment of reflection, we can celebrate Mother’s Day every year to say: “We see you, we thank you, and we love you.”

Jim Martin can be reached at jimmartinesq@gmail.com.