Mother’s Day, that special day dedicated to honoring mothers and their incredible contributions, has an interesting history that many people are curious about. It’s a day that’s now celebrated all over the world, but its origins are quite humble and deeply rooted in the early 20th century.
The whole concept of celebrating motherhood isn’t new. Ancient civilizations revered maternal figures, holding them in high esteem. However, the modern version of Mother’s Day, as we know it, started in the United States.
It all began with Anna Jarvis, a woman passionate about social causes and women’s rights. In 1908, she organized a memorial service for her own mother, Ann Jarvis, who had been a peace activist during the American Civil War. Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her mother’s legacy and the sacrifices all mothers make for their children.
Anna’s idea struck a chord and gained momentum. And in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made it official: Mother’s Day was declared a national holiday, to be celebrated every second Sunday in May. This was a significant moment, marking Mother’s Day as an important observance.
From there, Mother’s Day started to be recognized around the globe. Different countries adopted the day, each adding their own customs and traditions. Despite the variations in dates and celebrations, the core idea remains the same everywhere: to acknowledge and appreciate mothers’ love, care, and countless sacrifices.