The History of Mother’s Day

Have you ever wondered how Mother’s Day came about?  I’ve wondered, so I decided to do some research.  The day originated in my state, West Virginia.    I was surprised to discover that fact.  A lady by the name of Anna Jarvis of Grafton, WV started Mother’s Day.  The history of Mother’s Day tells us that it originally started as a memorial to Anna Jarvis’ mother.  She passed away in 1907.  Knowledge is power and knowing the history of Mother’s Day is empowering.  

She decided to campaign to make it a nationally recognized holiday.  In 1914, she succeeded.  Furthermore, by  1920, Anna Jarvis had become disappointed with the holiday.  She spent the rest of her life campaigning against it. As with everything in this country, it had become too commercialized.  Businesses were promoting flowers, greeting cards and boxes of chocolates for Mother’s Day gifts. They were profiting from what was supposed to be a simple day to recognize mothers and all that they had done in their role.

As a matter fact, Anna was so upset with their greed that she was actually arrested for disturbing the peace while protesting.  She stated that she wished she had never started the holiday.  Most importantly, she had become so bitter as a result of the commercialization, she died in poverty.  She also died unmarried and without children. What a sad ending to what started as a beautiful tribute to her mother.

I agreed that we are the most commercialized country in the world. We tie a dollar bill to anything and everything.  Statistics show people spend approximately $2.6 billion on flowers and $1.53 billion on pampering spa treatments, manicures and pedicures for Mother’s Day.

The history of Mother’s Day remains an important part of American History.  Although Anna Jarvis became frustrated, I think people should be able to spend their money how they choose.  If recipients of the gifts enjoy them, that makes the gift even better.  We all have a choice, buy or not buy.   I guess if I was in Anna Jarvis’ shoes, my thoughts may be different.  The best Mother’s Day gifts are at home dinners with my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

As a matter of fact, I believe that we as mothers have a very important role in raising our children and grandchildren.  Just as important, mothers  shouldn’t just be recognized on the second Sunday of May.  After all, we are mothers 356 days a year 24 hours a day for the rest of our life.

So, there we have the history of Mother’s Day.  Finally, I hope that you spend the day relaxing and doing what you enjoy, and if you get a chance leave me a comment on yours thoughts of Anna Jarvis and Mother’s Day.   You may also  like 15 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.