Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On the last Sunday of November, all of Russia celebrates Mother's Day, established by decree of President Boris Yeltsin in 1998. This date has an important purpose: first and foremost, to strengthen the institution of the family and elevate the status of motherhood in the public consciousness by creating a national non-profit tradition focused on the social mission of women.
History and modern times
The roots of the veneration of motherhood go back to ancient times. Over two thousand years ago, in ancient Greece, springtime celebrated the feasts of Gaia—the mother of the gods and the embodiment of fertility. In the Christian tradition, this image is embodied in the Virgin Mary. The prototype for the modern date was the English Mothering Sunday, which appeared around 1600. The tradition of celebrating motherhood took shape in the United States in 1907, when American Anna Jarvis, who had lost her mother, launched a campaign to establish a national day to honor motherhood. Her efforts were successful: just three years later, the state of Virginia established the observance on the second Sunday in May, and in 1914, the holiday was granted federal status. Today, Mother's Day is celebrated in more than 20 countries, and the traditions are unique everywhere: in the United States and Australia, they wear colored carnations—white in memory of the departed, red and pink in honor of the living; in England and Ireland, they bake a cake with marzipan balls and give it to mothers in exchange for a blessing; and in Japan, they sing a special holiday song for them.
Federal status
In Russia, the first attempt to celebrate Mother's Day was made in 1915: Scout instructor Ragnar Fernberg organized a celebration in Petrograd on December 1. However, during the Soviet period, the initiative was not developed further—the celebration of motherhood was subsumed into the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8.
The holiday's revival began with the initiative of Russian language and literature teacher Elmira Guseynova. In October 1988, she and her students organized a gala concert at Baku School No. 228—the first "day dedicated to mothers" in the USSR. The tradition became annual, and later, after Elmira Dzhavadovna moved to Stavropol, it took root there as well. In 1993, the holiday was officially established in Yakutia, designated for the third Sunday in November, and then the tradition gained a foothold in Bashkortostan and the Chelyabinsk region. Mother's Day received federal status in 1998, with the initiative supported by the State Duma Committee on Women, Family, and Youth.
Gratitude from the state
In Russia, Mother's Day has become an important family holiday. Children in kindergartens and schools make cards and learn poems, educational institutions host concerts, and city venues organize charity events and exhibitions.
State awards hold a special place. The highest distinction is the title of "Mother Heroine," awarded to women who have given birth to or adopted ten or more children and receives a one-time payment of 1 million rubles. The Order of Parental Glory is awarded to families with seven or more children and comes with a payment of 500,000 rubles.
Regions are developing their own incentive systems: for example, in St. Petersburg, parents with many children are awarded the title "For Merit in Raising Families" at three levels, with payments ranging from 25,000 to 100,000 rubles. In the Vologda Region, three levels of the Motherhood Medal are awarded. There is also a medal "For Love and Fidelity" for spouses who have been married for at least 25 years.
The all-Russian "Family of the Year" competition has become a traditional event, taking place for the tenth time in 2025. The symbol of Russian Mother's Day is the forget-me-not flower—the embodiment of selfless love, tenderness, and kindness.
Social aspect
Today, Mother's Day serves an important social function. It brings to the forefront the discussion of issues related to motherhood support: maternity benefits, access to childcare, and finding a balance between work and family. The holiday emphasizes that raising children is not only emotional and physical labor, but also an activity that requires high skills, patience, and dedication. "Caring for the children and families of students is an important aspect of shaping the future economy of our country. Supporting young parents and creating favorable conditions for raising children contributes to the development of human capital," says Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management.
Incidentally, in accordance with an initiative by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, our university has already opened four mother-and-child rooms. This step is part of a federal program that aims to create approximately 1,000 such important spaces at Russian universities by 2030. These cozy spaces offer everything necessary for a comfortable stay for mothers with small children, from comfortable furniture to a dedicated area for educational activities.
Such initiatives help students and staff at SUM successfully balance raising children with their studies and professional activities. The creation of a network of mother-and-child rooms not only improves living conditions but also contributes significantly to the development of a supportive educational environment that values family and understands the needs of modern parents.
Let's note: respect for motherhood isn't just about flowers and gifts. It's about being willing to listen and expressing gratitude for the daily, unnoticed, yet irreplaceable work of parenting. So, there's no need for a lavish celebration. Let's simply say to the most important person in our lives: "Thank you for being here!"
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 30, 2025.
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