Mother's Day got its start as a war protest when Julia Ward Howe established a "Mother's Day for Peace" on June 2, 1872. Her intent was to celebrate the peaceful contributions of mothers and to draw attention to the cause of suffragists. Her proclamation defined the holiday until early in the 20th century - about the same time that the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.
Ann Reeves Jarvis was another woman who made significant contributions to society through organizing women to improve conditions in their communities. Her daughter Anna campaigned for a national holiday honoring mothers after she passed away. Woodrow Wilson approved the holiday in 1914, and since then has been celebrated annually every second Sunday of May.
By the year 1923, Jarvis began to be very outspoken against the commercialization of Mother's Day. What had begun, in her eyes, as an attempt to honor motherhood had turned into a bonanza at the local shops and markets for Mother's Day gifts. Many people began to send flowers to their moms as gifts on this special day. Jarvis never did have children of her own, and spent most of her life speaking out against the way the holiday was being celebrated. Sadly, she spent the latter part of her life in a sanitarium,
In this diverse world of today, many people live too far away to easily visit Mom. Numerous people celebrate Mother's Day by honoring Mom with cards, flowers or plants. Buying flowers with special meaning is a common reason for selections along with choosing the blooms mom loves best.
Finding Mother's Day gifts is an enjoyable activity for children. Fathers can enjoy it too, as it provides an opportunity to spend more time with their children. Common gifts are clothing, flowers, jewelry, books and collectibles.
Jarvis may not have intended the Mother's Day holiday to be filled with gift giving and special parties. She had wished for a special day be made to honor mothers. With that intention, she was very successful, as people all over the world give admiration to their moms.
