A Mother’s Day quiz

By Randal C. Hill

In 1870, social activist and poet Julia Ward Howe created the Mother’s Day Proclamation, in which she envisioned mothers everywhere protesting the concept of war. Since then, Howe’s original idea has morphed into an American holiday to honor the goodness of moms everywhere.

How much do you know about this May tradition? Try your hand at this multiplechoice quiz.

1. What is a little-known fact about Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day?

a. She was never a mother herself.

b. She intensely disliked her mother.

c. She hated the idea of giving gifts on Mother’s Day.

d. She initially wanted to establish Father’s Day.

2. Mother’s Day was made an official holiday by President a. Teddy Roosevelt. b. Woodrow Wilson. c. Warren G. Harding. d. Calvin Coolidge.

3. Mother’s Day is typically the busiest day of the year for a. movie theaters. b. florists. c. candy stores. d. restaurants.

4. Mothers are “on duty” 24/7 and 365 days a year. Salary.com says that, in theory, a mother’s work should earn her an annual salary of a. $47,927. b. $88,021. c. $126,776. d. $162,581. a. 12% b. 18% c. 24% d. 29% a. Virginia b. Ohio c. Illinois d. Massachusetts

5. What percentage of mothers are raising children without a spouse or partner?

6. This state is called “The Mother of Presidents,” as eight chief executives have come from here.

7. In the first year of a baby’s life, how many diapers will the average mother change? a. 1,400 b. 1,850 c. 2,000 d. 2,200 a. “In My Life” b. “Let It Be” c. “Something” d. “The Long and Winding Road”

8. What Beatles song was inspired by a Paul McCartney dream about his late mother?

9. The most popular Mother’s Day gift is a. a card. b. flowers. c. chocolates. d. jewelry. a. John Lennon b. Barry Manilow c. Eric Clapton d. Bruce Springsteen

10. What famous musician was born to an unwed teenage mother and raised believing his older sister was his mother and his grandparents his parents?

ANSWER KEY:

To succeed in life, you need three things: a backbone, a wishbone, and a funny bone. – Reba McEntire