Technically, Not a Mother

Mother’s Day, which is now most commonly celebrated throughout the world on the second Sunday in May, dates back thousands of years. Where did this celebratory holiday come from?

Picture1Remember your Greek mythology. Rhea, wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities, is among the first celebrated mothers. Also, the ancient Romans celebrated Hilaria, a spring festival dedicated to the mother Goddess, Cybele.

“Mothering Sunday” was originated in England to celebrate the mother church, however later expanded to celebrate motherhood in general. After World War II, returning servicemen brought new life to the custom of celebrating motherhood through commercialization, showering mothers with gifts.

Julia Ward Howe was the first accredited with presenting the idea of an official Mother’s Day holiday. She is the writer of the Mother’s Day Proclamation (1870) and initiated Mother’s Peace Day in Boston.

Anna Jarvis took the reigns. In the early 1900’s, Anna Jarvis followed in Julia’s footsteps. She is the recognized founder of Mother’s Day here in the U.S. known as the “Mother of Mother’s Day.” The interesting fact about Anna is that she never married and never had children. Technically she was never a mother in the traditional manner.

Anna Jarvis, not even a mother herself, lobbied for an official declaration of Mother’s Day as a holiday. Her efforts paid off. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Resolution declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day is coming soon! Don’t miss a chance Sunday, May 11th to let your mother know how you feel. Surprise her with a traditional card and bouquet of flowers or a little something extra. Whether the special mother in your life enjoys a day relaxing at home, walking in the park, or a dinner out, there are many ways you can be a part of making her day special.

Happy Mother’s Day!