Who Started Mother’s Day 2023?
Introduction
Mother’s Day is a special day celebrated by millions of people all over the world. It is a day when we honor and appreciate our mothers for all the love, care, and sacrifices they have made for us. But have you ever wondered who started this beautiful tradition of Mother’s Day? In this article, we will discuss the history of Mother’s Day and the person who started it.
Origins of Mother’s Day
The origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome. They had festivals dedicated to mothers and mother goddesses. However, the modern-day celebration of Mother’s Day began in the early 20th century in the United States.
The Person Who Started Mother’s Day
The person who is credited with starting Mother’s Day is Anna Jarvis. She was born in 1864 in Virginia, USA. Anna was very close to her mother, and when her mother passed away in 1905, she wanted to honor her in a special way. She started a campaign to create a national holiday dedicated to mothers.
The First Mother’s Day Celebration
Anna Jarvis organized the first Mother’s Day celebration in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. It was a small gathering of friends and family who came together to honor and remember their mothers. The idea of dedicating a day to mothers caught on quickly, and soon, other states started celebrating Mother’s Day.
The Campaign for National Recognition
Anna Jarvis campaigned tirelessly to make Mother’s Day a national holiday. She wrote letters to politicians, businessmen, and influential people, urging them to support her cause. Her efforts paid off when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation in 1914, declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
The Commercialization of Mother’s Day
Sadly, Anna Jarvis’ vision for Mother’s Day was not what she had imagined. She wanted it to be a day of love and appreciation, not a day of commercialization. The holiday became so popular that companies started making and selling Mother’s Day cards, flowers, and gifts. Anna Jarvis was furious and spent the rest of her life fighting against the commercialization of Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day Around the World
Mother’s Day is now celebrated in many countries around the world. However, the date and the way it is celebrated varies from country to country. In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12th, which is the birthday of the Queen. In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated in the fall when the rainy season ends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mother’s Day is a beautiful tradition that honors and celebrates the most important person in our lives – our mothers. It was started by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her mother and all mothers in a special way. Although the commercialization of the holiday was not what she had envisioned, the essence of the day remains the same – to show love and appreciation to our mothers.
Question & Answer
Q: When was the first Mother’s Day celebration held?
A: The first Mother’s Day celebration was held in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia.
Q: Who is credited with starting Mother’s Day?
A: Anna Jarvis is credited with starting Mother’s Day.
Q: When did President Woodrow Wilson declare Mother’s Day a national holiday?
A: President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914.
Q: Why was Anna Jarvis against the commercialization of Mother’s Day?
A: Anna Jarvis was against the commercialization of Mother’s Day because she wanted it to be a day of love and appreciation, not a day of buying gifts and cards.
Q: How is Mother’s Day celebrated in other countries?
A: Mother’s Day is celebrated in other countries, but the date and the way it is celebrated varies from country to country.
