The History of Mother’s Day in the United States
Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world at different times. In the United States it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
You may be surprised to learn that Mother’s Day began as a protest to the carnage of The Civil War started by women that lost their sons. The original proclamation dates back to 1870 by Julia Ward Howe of Boston. Howe’s idea was influenced by Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, a young homemaker who started “Mother’s Friendship Day” in 1858. It wasn’t until 1907, two years after Jarvis’s death that her daughter, Anna Jarvis started a campaign to establish a national Mother’s Day. In honor of her mother’s cause, Ms. Jarvis carried out her mother’s dream to create a day to honor mothers both living and dead.
As a result of her efforts, the first Mother’s Day as we know it was celebrated on May 10, 1908 at a church service in Grafton, West Virginia. It took until May 9, 1914 for President Woodrow Wilson to proclaim Mother’s Day a national holiday.
Today Mother’s Day is celebrated to recognize the efforts of mothers. It is a day to pay tribute to that special woman in your life you may call Mom, Mommy or Mother. Whether it is a special card or gift, a meal out or just spending time with your family, make this Mother’s Day a special one.
From your C.H. Edwards, Inc. family, Have a very Happy Mother’s Day!
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