The History of Mother’s Day: A Celebration Rooted in Tradition and Advocacy

Mother’s Day, as we know it today, is a celebration of maternal bonds, motherhood, and the influence of mothers in society. However, the origins of this beloved holiday go far beyond the flowers, cards, and brunches we often associate with it. Mother’s Day has a rich history shaped by religious observances, social activism, and the efforts of many women who believed in honoring the role of mothers in shaping society.

The earliest roots of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. In both cultures, festivals were held in honour of goddesses associated with motherhood. The Greeks celebrated Rhea, the mother of the gods, and the Romans honoured Magna Mater, the Great Mother. These festivals were filled with processions, rituals, and celebrations designed to honour female figures of power and fertility, laying the groundwork for later celebrations of motherhood.

In early Christian traditions, a similar concept emerged in the form of “Mothering Sunday.” This celebration, held on the fourth Sunday of Lent in the United Kingdom, was a day for people to return to their “mother church”—the church where they were baptized or grew up. It was also a time for children who had moved away for work to visit their mothers, and eventually, the day became an occasion to honor mothers as well as the church. The roots of Mothering Sunday would later influence the modern Mother’s Day holiday, but it remained a religious observance until much later.

The modern Mother’s Day, as it is celebrated today, owes much of its creation to the efforts of one woman: Anna Jarvis. After her mother, Ann Jarvis, passed away in 1905, Anna set out to establish a national holiday to honor the sacrifices and contributions of mothers. Ann Jarvis, a peace activist and community leader, had worked tirelessly to improve sanitation and public health in her hometown of Grafton, West Virginia. Anna, deeply influenced by her mother’s work, began a campaign to commemorate mothers for their caregiving roles. She advocated for a specific day dedicated to honoring mothers and their contributions to society.

In 1908, the first official Mother’s Day celebration took place in Grafton, where Anna held a memorial for her mother. She continued to promote the idea of Mother’s Day, writing letters to influential leaders and organizations. Her persistence paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother’s Day a national holiday, celebrated every second Sunday in May. What started as a personal tribute to her mother quickly became a nationwide celebration of all mothers.

However, despite its success, the commercialization of Mother’s Day soon caused tension. Anna Jarvis, originally passionate about the holiday’s sentimental value, became disillusioned with the commercialization that followed. In the years after Mother’s Day became official, she protested the sale of mass-produced Mother’s Day cards and flowers, arguing that the focus had shifted from honouring mothers to corporate profits. Her initial vision was one of heartfelt, personal gestures, not mass marketing campaigns. Ironically, Anna Jarvis spent the latter part of her life trying to undo what she had worked so hard to create.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in various forms worldwide, though the specific customs and traditions can differ from country to country. In the United States, it is a time for children to express their gratitude and love for their mothers through gifts, cards, and special activities. Other countries, like Mexico and India, celebrate the day with their own unique customs, often combining it with cultural or religious traditions. The day remains a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers, reminding society of their immeasurable influence.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day each year, it’s important to remember the history behind this day of recognition. While it has evolved into a commercialized holiday in some ways, the core message remains the same: honouring the tireless work and love that mothers give to their families and communities. Whether it’s through a heartfelt note, a simple gesture, or just spending time together, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the individuals who make the world a better place simply by being there for others.