Mother's Day
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U.S. Census Bureau
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There are about 82.5 million mothers in the United States.
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On the second Sunday in May, people in many countries around the world celebrate Mother's Day. Mother's Day is a holiday that honors motherhood. On that day, we celebrate mothers for their love and compassion, devotion and energy, guidance and sacrifices, and the lessons they have taught us. This year is the 100th anniversary of the first unofficial Mother's Day.
Mother's Day was founded by Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) to celebrate and show appreciation for her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis (1832-1905), who was an exceptional mother, teacher, lecturer, and community activist. The elder Jarvis organized Mothers' Day Work Clubs to fight poor health and sanitation conditions within local communities, which had claimed the lives of many children.
With the help of her brother, a doctor, and many women in the community, Jarvis was able to provide medicine to the poor, care for families that had mothers with tuberculosis, and inspect milk to make sure it was healthy for children to drink. The clubs were extremely successful in their missions and were praised for solving widespread health problems.
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Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [reproduction number, LC-USZ62-63369]
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Anna Jarvis was the founder of Mother's Day.
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In 1861, during the American Civil War, Jarvis's West Virginia County held armed camps of both Union (Northern) and Confederate (Southern) soldiers. Jarvis thought that this might cause tension and division within the Mothers' Day Work Clubs. To solve this problem, she met with members and asked them to agree that friendship and good will would remain in the clubs for the duration (length) and aftermath of the war. She also said that any attempts to divide the organization would not be tolerated.
As caregivers to both the Union and Confederate soldiers, Jarvis and the Mothers' Day Work Clubs were there to help when an epidemic of typhoid fever and measles broke out among the military. Because of this service, the clubs were held in the highest regard by officers and soldiers for their endless devotion and care of the sick soldiers on both sides.
After the Civil War, Jarvis and the Mothers' Day Work Clubs organized a "Mothers' Friendship Day." All the soldiers that had fought in the war and their families were invited. As a symbol of unity, Jarvis wore gray (the Confederate soldiers' uniform color) and the other women wore blue (the Union soldiers' uniform color).
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photos.com
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White carnations have become a symbol of Mother's Day.
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Many soldiers came to the event and participated in singing songs such as The Star Spangled Banner. The club called on the crowd to shake hands and hug each other as the gray-dressed Jarvis and a blue-dressed woman had modeled. By the end of the day, everyone in the crowd followed their example, which brought a sense of friendship and love to what could have been a sad and troubled end to the war.
In addition to her work with the Mothers' Day Clubs, Jarvis was an exceptional teacher and speaker. She died in Philadelphia on May 9, 1905, at the age of 72. Two years later, Anna Jarvis, determined to honor her mother, began a campaign to make Mother's Day an official holiday. That day is considered the first unofficial Mother's Day.
In 1908, she asked a minister at her church in West Virginia to give a sermon in her mother's memory. White carnations, her mother's favorite flower and a symbol of love, were given out at the service. On that same Sunday in Philadelphia, Jarvis and all mothers were honored in a special Mother's Day Service.
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"Mother's Day is in honor of the best Mother who ever lived - the Mother of your heart"
~ Anna Jarvis |
Soon after, Anna began writing letters to politicians, ministers, and important businessmen asking them to set aside a special day to honor mothers. By 1909, 45 states were observing the day. In 1910, the second Sunday in May was designated Mother's Day by the governor of West Virginia and, soon after, every state proclaimed this day as a celebration of all mothers. In 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.
England has been celebrating "Mothering Sunday" since the 17th century, on the fourth Sunday in Lent. On Mother's Day, American children do many things to honor their mother. Some children make their mothers breakfast in bed, others make or buy gifts and cards, and some give them flowers. Whatever the tradition, Mother's Day has become known as a day to express appreciation for all mothers. By a joint resolution of Congress, the U.S. flag is flown "as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country."
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Writing Prompt
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Go to . Research a famous mother. Write five things about that mom and why you think she is special. |
Other Web Sites
Facts for Features: Mother's Day -
Library of Congress: The First Mother's Day -
Mother's Day -
West Virginia Archives & History: Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis