The History of Mother's Day

By: Amanda Huntsman

I always find the historical background of important dates we celebrate fascinating. Back in February, I wrote about how "Galentine's Day" came to be. We received so many comments from people saying they had no idea how it started! Now, delving into another significant celebration, the history of Mother's Day in the United States unfolds as a tale of women's activism and the enduring bond between mothers and their children.

The history of Mother's Day in the United States is deeply intertwined with the efforts of several remarkable women who sought to improve the lives of Americans, particularly women and children. Ann Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe were two such activists who laid the groundwork for what would become a national celebration of motherhood.

Ann Reeves Jarvis, affectionately known as "Mother Jarvis," was a devoted homemaker in Appalachia who recognized the need for better health and welfare conditions, especially for mothers and children. In the mid-1800s, she organized "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" to address unsanitary living conditions and combat the high infant mortality rate in the region. Her dedication to improving public health and promoting peace during the Civil War through initiatives like Mothers' Friendship Day laid the foundation for the modern Mother's Day movement.

Julia Ward Howe, a renowned poet and reformer, also played a significant role in advocating for a day dedicated to mothers. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Howe called for a "Mother's Day for Peace," urging mothers to gather and work towards ending war and promoting peace. Her "Mother's Day Proclamation" of 1870 highlighted the maternal instinct for peace and the desire to prevent the cruelty of war, emphasizing the need to value and protect life.

However, it was Ann Reeves Jarvis' daughter, Anna M. Jarvis, who spearheaded the campaign for a national Mother's Day holiday in the early 20th century. After her mother's death in 1905, Anna was determined to honor her mother's legacy and the sacrifices of all mothers. Her advocacy efforts culminated in the establishment of Mother's Day as a national holiday in 1914, thanks to the support of political figures and the passing of a resolution in Congress.

Despite Anna Jarvis' initial intentions of keeping Mother's Day a simple and reverent occasion to honor mothers, she became disillusioned with its commercialization in subsequent years. She lamented the exploitation of the holiday by industries like floral and greeting cards, which overshadowed its original purpose. Anna's later years were marked by her opposition to the commercialization of Mother's Day, and she passed away in 1948 in a state of dementia.

Nevertheless, Mother's Day endures as a cherished holiday in the United States, celebrating the diverse roles and contributions of mothers to society. While its origins may have been rooted in the activism of women like Ann Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe, Mother's Day today represents a time to honor and appreciate the love, sacrifices, and nurturing spirit of mothers everywhere.

Happy Mother's Day!