The Origins of Mother's Day

Anna Jarvis

As most of you know, Sunday, May 12th, is Mother's Day. I've done some research and found that Mother's Day is celebrated around the world in several countries and by many cultures. While it's not always on the same day, the sentiments are the same, celebrating mothers. Today you'll get a little history on the origins of Mother's Day, Wednesday, you'll see how it's celebrated in different parts of the world, Thursday is all about two famous mother's, past and present and finally, Friday, I'll share at little bit about my mother. 

The Origins of Mother's Day:


As early as the 1870's and the 1880's various observances honoring mothers existed in America. Unfortunately, none of them gained much recognition beyond the local level. In 1870, a woman by the name of Julia Ward Howe attempted to establish a “Mother’s Day for Peace" to honor mothers who’d lost sons in the war. 

After the death of her mother in 1905, Anna Jarvis decided to honor her mother. In 1907, Miss Jarvis started a campaign to establish a National Mother's Day in the US. On the second death anniversary of her mother she led a small tribute to her mother at Andrews Methodist Church. By the next year, Mother's Day was celebrated in her own city of Philadelphia. Miss Jarvis used every platform possible to promote her cause. She achieved a breakthrough by gaining the support of a merchant and philanthropist, John Wanamaker of Philadelphia. The movement gained momentum with his support and by 1909, forty-five states including Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico observed the day.

People also wore white and red Carnations to pay tribute to their mothers, according to the traditions started by Anna Jarvis. Miss Jarvis chose carnations because they were her mother's favorite flowers. White carnations was her most favorite because it represented the purity of a mother's heart. A white carnation was to be worn to honor deceased mothers, and a red one to honor a living mother.

On Sunday, May 12th, celebrate your mother, her memory or yourself, if you're a mother.

Together we thrive,

Jacqueline

Stay tuned for more great info on Mother's Day!