Amid typing Friday’s Verse of the Day, a sudden thought crossed my mind – where did Mother’s Day originate from? We often partake in holiday celebrations out of tradition, but the true origins of Mother’s Day remained a mystery to me. Growing up, I had always celebrated this special day, yet the history behind it eluded me.

Curiosity piqued, I embarked on a cyber journey to uncover the roots of Mother’s Day. What I discovered was a fascinating tale that dates back to 1868 when Ann Jarvis, the mother of Anna Jarvis, initiated a Mother’s Friendship Day. The purpose behind this day was to reunite families torn apart during the Civil War. Ann Jarvis, a remarkable woman, had previously organized Mother’s Day Work Clubs to address health issues during a typhoid outbreak in both Union and Confederate camps. Her vision was to transform these efforts into an annual tribute to mothers, but unfortunately, she passed away in 1905 before this became a reality.

Despite several local observances in the 1870s and 1880s, Mother’s Day failed to gain widespread recognition until the early 20th century. Influential figures such as Julia Ward Howe and Frank E. Hering played pivotal roles in advocating for a national celebration of motherhood. It was Anna Jarvis, with the assistance of John Wanamaker, who finally established Mother’s Day in its present form following her mother’s passing in 1905. Jarvis tirelessly campaigned for Mother’s Day to become a U.S. national holiday, which was officially declared in 1910 by the state of West Virginia and soon adopted by other states.

The journey of Mother’s Day culminated in a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1913, calling for a white carnation to be worn in honor of mothers. Subsequently, in 1914, the U.S. Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, with President Woodrow Wilson issuing a proclamation to commemorate the occasion. Over the years, Mother’s Day has evolved into an international celebration of maternal love and sacrifice.

As we reflect on the history of Mother’s Day, let us remember the vision and dedication of those who paved the way for this special day. May we honor and cherish our mothers not just on this designated day, but every day, for their immeasurable impact on our lives.

From us here at rhemalogy.com —Happy Mother’s Day! to all the fantabulous mothers all around the world! May your day be celebrated with all joy and happiness today! Blessings and Peace!

Information extracted from Wikipedia.com.