History of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is the holiday that is celebrated in the United Sates and in many countries around the world, although the exact date varies from country to country. Do you ever stop and reflect on how much your mother means to you? Take a moment and think about all of the things that she does for you everyday.
This person does not have to be your mother. This is a day to remember and honor all of the women who care for you and help you solve the problems that you face in your life. This could be your mother, grandmother, aunt, or anyone who takes care of you. Make sure you take time this Sunday to thank this person for everything they have done for you. But, do you know the history behind this wonderful holiday?
The tradition of celebrating and honoring mothers began thousands of years ago in many different cultures. In ancient Greece the people honored Rhea, the mother of all the gods, in springtime festivities. The ancient Romans honored Magna Mater (Great Mother) who was the mother of all their gods. Once a year, the Romans would honor this Great Mother by bringing gifts to a temple that was built for her. In England around the 1600’s, many children had to leave home to work for most of the year. They were allowed one holiday on the fourth Sunday during Lent where they would go home to spend time with their mothers. This special day was called Mothering Sunday. But how did Mother’s Day begin in the United States?
In 1842, a social reformer and poet named named Julia Ward Howe suggested that Mother’s Day be celebrated on June 2. She believed that this should be a day dedicated to peace. She held several meetings in Boston and soon several neighboring towns began to celebrate this holiday. Another woman named Anna Jarvis of West Virginia is considered the actual founder of Mother’s Day in the United States. Anna’s mother hoped that someday, someone would found a Mother’s Day where everyone would stop and take a day to honor and respect his or her mother. Anna wanted to be the one to fulfill her mother’s dream. Soon after her mother died, Anna asked her minister to hold a Mother’s Day service in her town. On May 12, 1907, the first Mother’s Day service was held in Grafton, West Virginia. Anna wrote many letters in support of a national observance of Mother’s Day. By 1909, almost every state was celebrating Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May.
President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation on May 9, 1914 stating that the second Sunday in May would be the official Mother’s Day in every state. Anna continued to support Mother’s Day around the world and by 1948 this holiday was observed in more than forty countries. Take time this Sunday to remember and honor your mother or any woman that cares for you. They deserve this special day. Enjoy!
