A History of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is dedicated to the adulation of those who have gracefully nursed us or our children from the womb, and continue to dedicate their lives toward our comforts and betterment as citizens of the world.  Although we have more than enough reason to be grateful and may have heartfelt activities planned out to ensure that Mom feels sincerely appreciated on that day, we ought to examine how this day of thanks came about, because in appreciating history, we hold the present with much more regard. 

Many historians may give this occasion roots in the ancient world, when goddesses such as Isis of Egypt were held in great honor.  Romans though celebrated “Matronalia”, a day observed for the goddess Juno, to bless women with more offsprings.  Later, this led up to the Christian regards for Mary, the mother of Christ.  

A more formal commemoration began through the Anglican Church of England in the 1600’s.  In the middle of Lent, the religious were encouraged to return to their “Mother Church” and worship there.  During the Victorian times, household servants were given this day off to visit their mothers specifically.  Later, it became rooted in tradition to celebrate all mothers, so until today, it is called “Mothering Day”.

The American celebration has been adapted throughout most of the modern world however, and this is due in full to three women.  Early settlers in the “New World” did away with Mothering Day and all other festivities linked to their ancestry, as to establish a completely new culture.  

Julia Ward Howe wrote the famous “Battle Hymn of the Republic” for Union troops in the American Civil War (1861-1865).  As a mother and a wife of a soldier, she empathized with the other “fighters” on the literal home front, and became a champion of sorts for mothers left behind.  Finding son killing son fruitless and destructive, she beckoned for an international mother’s day to be celebrated to encourage peace and to give credence to mothers.  In her Mother’s Day Proclamation of 1870, she wrote:

“In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.”

 

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In 1873, 18 cities in America celebrated the first Mother’s Holiday.  This continued up until her death in 1876.  However, a West Virginia women’s group led by Anna Reeves Jarvis pushed for its continuation with the hopes of uniting mothers and family that were separated in many ways by the Civil War.  It was called “Mother’s Friendship Day”.

When Ms. Reeves Jarvis died, her daughter Anna M. Jarvis took up the mantle, appealing first to her church.  Her efforts were later rewarded by an official hometown church celebration on May 10, 1908, until in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law, making the second Sunday of May a national Mother’s Day.

Today, over 400 countries around the world celebrate this precious day, and by all means they should.  After all, the great poet Kahlil Gibran did say, “Mother: The most beautiful words on the lips of mankind.”

That along indeed says it all.  Happy Mother’s Day!


Photo from flickr.com