February
Mothers Day Norway
In Norway, a special day known as Mother’s Day, or Morsdag, is celebrated on the second Sunday in February, which is February 9 this year. This day is dedicated to honoring mothers and those who have motherly roles. Did you know that this day, called ‘Morsdag’ by the locals, has been celebrated in Norway for more than a century? Since it always falls on a Sunday, most businesses are closed. If you desire to make this Mother’s Day extraordinary, you should check out our gift guide at findnomore.net.
History of Mother’s Day in Norway
Mother’s Day is celebrated around the globe in over 50 countries and is among the most popular holidays. Although the United States doesn’t officially recognize it as a public holiday, it is observed on the second Sunday in May. However, different countries celebrate Mother’s Day on various dates. For instance, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, and Turkey also honor this day on the second Sunday of May. Meanwhile, Mexico and several Latin American countries celebrate it on May 10 annually. In Thailand, the holiday coincides with the birthday of the current Queen, celebrated on August 12.
The tradition of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient Greece, where people honored Rhea, the mother of the gods. In Norway, Mother’s Day, or Morsdag, is observed on the second Sunday in February to show appreciation for mothers and mother figures. The first Norwegian Mother’s Day was celebrated on February 9, 1919, at a Methodist Church in Bergen. Initially coordinated by religious organizations, it was later established as an annual holiday by two women — Karen Platou, a businesswoman and politician, and Dorothea Schjodager, a social worker and advocate for women’s rights. Their efforts were supported by non-government organizations, entrepreneurs, and the media, which helped make Mother’s Day a national observance. On this day, Norwegian mothers often receive gifts, and some enjoy breakfast in bed with handmade crafts and greeting cards from their children. Occasionally, the day aligns with Fastelavn, or Carnival day, marked by enjoying ‘Fastelavenboller,’ a special type of bun.
Mother’s Day Norway Timeline
- 1870: Julia Ward Howe initiates Mother’s Day gatherings in Boston, dedicated to peace.
- 1907: Anna M. Jarvis, a teacher in Philadelphia, champions a national Mother’s Day in honor of mothers, living and deceased.
- 1914: President Woodrow Wilson endorses Jarvis’ proposal, establishing the second Sunday of May as National Mother’s Day in the U.S.
- 1919: The first Mother’s Day in Norway is celebrated at a Methodist Church in Bergen on February 9.
Questions About Mother’s Day
- Who created Mother’s Day?: Anna Jarvis, a teacher, advocated for Mother’s Day to honor all mothers. She organized the first U.S. Mother’s Day in 1908 in memory of her mother.
- Why is Mother’s Day in February in Norway?: While most countries celebrate in May, Norway chooses February possibly due to the many holidays already in May, such as Norway’s National Day on May 17.
- Is Mother’s Day the same in every country?: The celebration’s date varies globally. Many countries, including Australia, the U.S., Denmark, Canada, Italy, Finland, Turkey, Switzerland, and Belgium, celebrate it on the second Sunday of May.
Activities for Mother’s Day in Norway
- Offer her breakfast in bed: Start her day with a sweet gesture by making her favorite breakfast and serving it with fresh juice. Leave a loving note to show your appreciation.
- Spend the day with her: Dedicate this day to spending quality time with your mom, doing activities she loves, like picnics or movie marathons.
- Throw a surprise party: Organize a surprise celebration with favorite foods, gifts, and invite family and neighbors to join in honoring her.
Fun Facts About Mother’s Day
- The third-most popular holiday: It ranks just after Christmas and Easter.
- Phone calls surge: Approximately 122.5 million calls are made on Mother’s Day, more than any other day of the year.
- Flowers galore: A quarter of annual flower sales occur around Mother’s Day.
- Dining out becomes a trend: Restaurants experience their busiest day, with over 80 million dining out in 2018 for Mother’s Day.
- Major flower-selling holiday: It ranks third for flower and plant sales, following Christmas and Hanukkah.
Why We Love Mother’s Day in Norway
- Appreciating moms: Mothers are everyday superheroes, and this day celebrates their contributions to our lives.
- Time to bond: It’s a chance to pause our busy lives and spend meaningful time with our mothers, creating laughter and joy.
- Making memories: This day allows us to create and relive cherished memories with family, sharing good food and laughter.
Mother’s Day Norway Dates
- 2022: February 13, Sunday
- 2023: February 12, Sunday
- 2024: February 11, Sunday
- 2025: February 9, Sunday
- 2026: February 8, Sunday
What is the date of Mothers Day Norway every year?
