Jamiese Hancy
- May 13, 2023
- 3 min read

💐 May 14, 2023 – Happy Mothers Day to You!

Updated: Jun 20, 2023

💐 It's May 14th, Mothers Day – a special day we celebrate every year to honor and appreciate all the mothers and motherly figures in our lives! It’s celebrated in different parts of the world on different dates. The history of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people used to celebrate mothers and mother goddesses.

The modern-day Mother’s Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The credit for celebrating Mother's Day in its current form goes to Anna Maria Jarvis, who was a social activist and devoted daughter. She wanted to honor the memory of her mother after she died in 1905. Anna’s mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, was a social activist and a community leader who worked for the welfare of mothers and children during the Civil War era.

In the 1860s, Anna’s mom had started a movement known as “Mothers’ Friendship Day.” The idea was to bring together mothers from both sides of the Civil War to promote peace and reconciliation. She conducted meetings and workshops for mothers where they could discuss health, hygiene, and proper care of their children. She also started “Mother's Day Work Clubs” to raise money to buy medicine and provide assistance to poor families who were suffering from high mortality rates due to diseases. These clubs were a huge success and soon spread all across the country.

After her mother died, Anna campaigned to establish a national day of honor for all mothers. Initially, she wanted the holiday to be celebrated on her mother’s death anniversary, which was May 9th. In 1908, she organized a memorial for her, which was attended by over 400 people. This is considered to be the first official Mother's Day celebration.

Anna then started a letter-writing campaign to prominent figures in politics, religion, and business, urging them to support a national Mother's Day holiday. Her campaign paid off, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. This official recognition of Mother's Day made it a national holiday in the United States.

The first Mother's Day was celebrated in the United States on May 9th, 1914 and from there it started becoming a global phenomenon. Other countries adopted the holiday, including Canada, Australia, and Mexico. In most countries, Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday in May, but some countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland celebrate Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

Over the years, the celebration of Mother’s Day has become commercialized, with gifts and flowers becoming the norm. However, the original intent of Mother’s Day was to honor and appreciate the sacrifices and struggles of mothers. It was meant to recognize their contributions to society and their families. In many ways, Mother’s Day has become more than just a holiday – it has become a symbol of the enduring bond between a mother and her children.

In recent years, Mother's Day has taken on even more significance due to the global pandemic. The pandemic brought to light the vital role that mothers play in our lives, from working from home to caring for sick family members. Many mothers have put their own health and well-being on the line to ensure their families are safe and healthy during this difficult time.

In conclusion, the history of Mother’s Day is a rich one, tracing back to ancient civilizations and evolving into a modern-day holiday that is celebrated around the world. From the efforts of a devoted daughter to the support of political leaders, Mother’s Day has become a day we use to honor and appreciate mothers and motherly figures for the love and care they provide to their families and communities. It’s a day that reminds us of the sacrifices that mothers make every day and the appreciation and gratitude they deserve. ☮️ Peace… Jamiese of Pixoplanet