The history of Mother’s Day is a fascinating topic with various origins and interesting facts. In this video by Dad University, they delve into the history of Mother’s Day in the United States, highlighting some significant events that led to its establishment. While the present-day celebrations may not match the intentions of the originators due to commercialization, it remains a day to honor and appreciate mothers everywhere. The video encourages viewers to share how they celebrate Mother’s Day and what it means to them. So sit back, enjoy the video, and join the conversation in the comments section below.
Origins of Mother’s Day
Ancient Greek Origins
While the specific origin of Mother’s Day is uncertain, there are mentions in history books of celebrations honoring mothers dating back to ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks held a spring festival dedicated to Rhea, the mother of the gods. This festival involved feasts, games, and ceremonies to honor and thank mothers for their roles in society.
Religious Celebrations
In addition to the ancient Greek celebrations, various religious traditions also incorporated motherhood into their observances. For example, early Christians in Europe celebrated a day known as “Mothering Sunday” in which people returned to their mother church for a special service. This day eventually evolved into a day to honor all mothers.
History of Mother’s Day in the United States
The history of Mother’s Day in the United States can be traced back to the efforts of several influential women. One of the key figures in its establishment was Anne Reeves Jarvis, who organized mother’s day working clubs and promoted the idea of bringing together mothers from different sides of the Civil War to promote reconciliation. Another important figure was Julia Ward Howe, a social activist who called for a Mother’s Day Proclamation as a means to promote peace and unity among mothers. The efforts of these women paved the way for the official recognition of Mother’s Day in the United States.
Mother’s Day Around the World
Celebration in the United States
In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It is a day to honor and appreciate mothers and mother figures for their love, sacrifices, and contributions to their families and society. One popular tradition is to gift mothers with flowers, cards, or other tokens of appreciation. Many families also gather for special meals or outings to spend quality time together.
Different Days and Unique History in Other Countries
While Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the United States, the celebration of mothers varies in different countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, Mothering Sunday is observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, while in Egypt, Mother’s Day is celebrated on March 21st, coinciding with the start of spring. Each country has its own unique history and traditions surrounding the celebration of motherhood.
Anne Reeves Jarvis
Teaching Local Women
Anne Reeves Jarvis, a woman from West Virginia, played a significant role in the history of Mother’s Day. In the mid-1800s, before the Civil War, Jarvis wanted to improve the conditions for local women and teach them how to care for their children. She organized classes and workshops to educate these women on childcare and promote better living conditions.
Mother’s Day Working Clubs
To support her mission of helping local women, Jarvis organized mother’s day working clubs. These clubs provided assistance and resources to mothers in need, such as nursing services and help with household chores. The clubs were a way for mothers to come together and support one another in their shared experiences of motherhood.
Mother’s Friendship Day
In 1868, Jarvis organized Mother’s Friendship Day as a way to bring together mothers who had lost sons to the Civil War. The event aimed to promote reconciliation and unity by bringing together mothers from both sides of the conflict. It was a powerful symbol of the common bond of motherhood and the desire for peace.
Julia Ward Howe
Mother’s Day Proclamation
Julia Ward Howe, a prominent social activist and writer, issued a Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870. She called on mothers to unite to bring an end to war and promote peace. Howe believed that mothers held a unique and powerful role in society and that their collective voice could help bring about positive change.
Call for Mothers to Bring Peace
In addition to the Mother’s Day Proclamation, Howe also advocated for the establishment of Mother’s Peace Day, which would be celebrated on June 2nd each year. This day was meant to serve as a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of working towards peace. The concept of Mother’s Peace Day continued to influence the ideals and intentions behind Mother’s Day celebrations.
Juliet Calhoun Blakely
Local Celebration on Her Birthday
Juliet Calhoun Blakely, a mother from Michigan, became the inspiration for a local celebration that eventually evolved into Mother’s Day. On her birthday in 1877, Blakely attended church and, when the pastor had to leave unexpectedly, she stepped in and led the service. Her sons were so proud of her that they began celebrating the event each year as a way to honor their mother’s courage and leadership.
Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Herring
Efforts to Celebrate Mother’s Day
Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Herring were two individuals who also played important roles in the promotion and celebration of Mother’s Day. Sasseen and Herring sought to establish Mother’s Day as a recognized holiday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With their efforts, they contributed to the growing recognition and appreciation of mothers and their invaluable contributions to society.
Anna Jarvis
Campaigning for Mother’s Day
Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Anne Reeves Jarvis, became a key figure in campaigning for the establishment of Mother’s Day as an official holiday in the early 20th century. After her mother’s death in 1905, Jarvis committed herself to honoring the sacrifices of mothers and promoting their well-being.
Sacrifices of Mothers
Jarvis believed that mothers made significant sacrifices for their children and deserved recognition for their selflessness. She saw Mother’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate and express gratitude for the hard work and love that mothers put into raising their children.
Financial Backing and Support
In 1908, Jarvis gained the financial backing and support of a Philadelphia retail store owner named John Wanamaker. With his support, she organized one of the first Mother’s Day celebrations in Grafton, West Virginia. This event marked the beginning of the widespread observance of Mother’s Day in the United States.
First Mother’s Day Celebration
In May 1908, the first official Mother’s Day celebration took place in Grafton, West Virginia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thousands of people attended these events, which included services, speeches, and tributes to honor and recognize the important role of mothers in society.
Writing Letters to Prominent Figures
In her efforts to promote Mother’s Day, Jarvis wrote numerous letters to prominent figures, including politicians, business leaders, and influential individuals. Her goal was to gain their support and encourage them to recognize and celebrate mothers. Her campaign proved successful, as nearly every state in the United States was celebrating Mother’s Day by 1911.
Official Recognition
Celebration in Every State
By 1911, Mother’s Day had gained widespread recognition and celebration throughout the United States. Nearly every state joined in commemorating the holiday, honoring mothers and expressing gratitude for their love and sacrifices.
Proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, making it an official national holiday. This act further solidified the importance of honoring mothers and their impact on society.
Commercialization of Mother’s Day
Retailer Prominence
As Mother’s Day gained popularity, it also became increasingly commercialized. Retailers saw an opportunity to profit from the holiday by promoting the purchase of flowers, cards, and gifts as a way to show appreciation for mothers. The commercialization of Mother’s Day became more prominent as years passed.
Disapproval and Lawsuits by Anna Jarvis
Anna Jarvis, who had dedicated herself to the establishment of Mother’s Day, became disheartened by how the holiday had been commercialized. She believed that Mother’s Day should be a day for personal celebrations and expressions of love, not for the sale of products. Jarvis filed lawsuits against individuals and businesses she felt were using the term “Mother’s Day” for profit.
Conclusion
While the history of Mother’s Day is rich and varied, it is clear that the principle behind the holiday remains the same: to honor and appreciate mothers for their love, sacrifices, and influence. While the commercialization of the holiday has changed the way it is celebrated, the sentiment and gratitude behind Mother’s Day continue to be deeply felt. It is a time to reflect on the importance of mothers in our lives and to express our love and appreciation for them. Whether through gifts, quality time spent together, or heartfelt words of gratitude, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary women who have shaped and nurtured us.