Recently, I've seen some Facebook posts with a purple flower reaction on them, called "thankful." I can't find any way within the UI to use one. A Google search shows some news from 2016 about it being a temporary reaction for Mother's Day last year. There isn't a single Google result about Thankful reactions mysteriously returning in 2017.
How can I use a Thankful reaction? If it's impossible, how are other people able to use them?
Best Answer
Alright, I've probed every last depth of the internet to find the answer to this thing and the best evidence I've come up with is this.
What seems to be the case is that either Facebook has glitched itself out or they have issued a limited release of this function in certain countries (India) as some form of beta testing. Thus far no mainstream media or any other credible source apart from internet speculation as to this functions release.
However this topic seems to be picking up considerable interest, so one can assume a large number of people are affected, in which case Facebook should release a press statement either today or tomorrow or some other coverage should take place.
I will keep this answer update with any new information.
IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: I personally have not observed this phenomenon on my own Facebook, and only seen such reactions appearing on certain friends from certain countries. I therefore conclude this roll-out is limited to countries who celebrate mothers day on the 2nd Sunday of May. Below is a list of countries that celebrate Mothers day on this day. If you do not reside in these countries you may not see this feature on your Facebook.