Mother’s Day has deep historical roots, evolving from ancient traditions to the modern celebration we recognize today. To appreciate the holiday today, we need to examine where it came from.

Ancient Origins

The concept of honoring motherhood dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. Back then, festivals celebrated mother goddesses like Rhea and Cybele. In medieval England, “Mothering Sunday” was observed, a Christian tradition where people returned to their “mother church” and honored their mothers.

Modern Mother’s Day

The version of Mother’s Day we know in the U.S. was shaped by the efforts of Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century. Inspired by her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who organized “Mother’s Work Days” to improve sanitation and reduce infant mortality. Anna campaigned for a national holiday to honor mothers.

In 1908, Anna Jarvis held the first official Mother’s Day service in West Virginia. Her efforts led to President Woodrow Wilson declaring the Day a national holiday in 1914, to be observed on the second Sunday of May.

Commercialization and Controversy

Ironically, Anna Jarvis later fought against the commercialization of Mother’s Day. She had envisioned it as a day of personal reflection and appreciation, but was dismayed by the rise of greeting cards and flower sales. She even launched campaigns to abolish the holiday she had worked so hard to establish.

Mother’s Day Today

Mother’s Day is now celebrated worldwide, though different countries observe it on various dates, often reflecting unique cultural traditions.