Many religious denominations are celebrating the quality of “Motherhood” in every woman by giving a single rose or carnation to the female members in their Mothers Day congregations. While the origins of this practice are not known, the tradition is a widespread practice in New Thought spiritual communities such as Agape, Unity and Centers for Spiritual Living – formerly known as Church of Religious Science. Throughout California Catholic, Protestant, Unitarian and independent Christian churches are starting to adopt the Mother’s Day floral gift tradition.

Ministers, priests and church lay leaders observe that while “it is better to give than to receive” honoring the entire female congregation with the gift of a single flower often results in reciprocal benefits. The Mothers Day flower is a memorable goodwill gesture for new women members and their families that can strengthen the bond they are developing with their new church family. Receiving a single rose can be an expression of inclusiveness for women without families and a sensitive, comforting gesture for those whose mothers have passed on. Finally, church leaders that have adopted the tradition note that the spike in tithes and offerings on Mothers Day easily offset the modest cost of the floral gift.