A History of Mother’s Day
Several years ago while working for a child development center, an article on the history of Mother’s Day was on the front page of the newsletter. I want to share A History of Mother’s Day with you in honor of mother’s today.
Ancient History
Long ago, in Ancient Greece, the people paid tribute to Rhea, the Mother of the gods, each spring. A little later in history it is noted that England paid homage to mothers on “Mothering Sunday”, the fourth Sunday of Lent.
Modern Era
In 1872, Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic) suggested the idea of Mother’s Day. Instead it was Miss Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948), of Philadelphia, who began a letter-writing campaign to a variety of influential people that made Mother’s Day a national holiday.
Miss Jarvis was very close to her mother, Mrs. Anna Reese Jarvis. Anna’s mother died in May of 1905, when Anna was 41 years of age. Anna wasn’t married and front the time of her mother’s death cared for her blind sister, Elsinore. She missed her mother very much and felt that children should appreciate their mother’s more while they’re still alive. Anna hoped Mother’s Day would increase respect and love and strengthen family bonds.
In 1907, Anna persuaded her mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother’s Day. It was on the second anniversary of her mother’s death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year, 1908, Mother’s Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.
First Mother’s Day Proclamation
The first Mother’s Day proclamation was issued by the governor of West Virginia in 1910. Oklahoma celebrated Mother’s Day that year also. By 1911, every state observed Mother’s Day. The Mother’s Day International Association was incorporated on December 12, 1912, with the purpose of furthering meaningful observations.
May, 1913, The House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution requesting the President, his Cabinet, members of congress, and all officials of the federal government to wear a white carnation. Congress passed another Joint Resolution on May 8, 1914, designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
On Mother’s Day, the U.S. flag is to be displayed on government buildings and at people’s homes “as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” President Woodrow Wilson issued the first proclamation making Mother’s Day an official national holiday.
Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia and Belgium celebrate Mother’s Day on the same day as the United States. Other countries celebrate Mother’s Day as well, though not on the same day.
Today
I hope you enjoyed the history of Mother’s Day. I thought it was a nice tribute to all mother’s. Mother’s Day is difficult for many as their dreams of being a mother didn’t happen in the way they thought. You have the opportunity to have an impact on other women. Respect and love knows no boundaries of birth or genetics. There have been many older women in my life who have shared their lives, whether it was spiritual or life giving. Mothering is someone who nurtures and encourages us to live life as God created us to live.
Until next time,
Dawn