In honor of various goddesses, ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated mothers on a special day, as did Christians (during Lent in honor of Mother Mary). The holiday became known in England as Mothering Sunday.
In the United States, the designation of a special Mother’s Work Day began in late 19th Century Appalachia as an effort to increase awareness of poor health conditions.
In 1914 Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May, became a national holiday.