Mother's Day Traditions Have a Long and Colorful History

For nearly 100 years, Mother's Day has been celebrated on the second Sunday in May. The day that Americans set aside to honor their mothers, this holiday came about thanks to the efforts of one mother and her devoted daughter.

Who was Ann Marie Jarvis?

The mother of 13 children, Ann Marie Jarvis started a campaign against infant mortality in the 1860s. Consulting with her brother, the physician Dr. James Reeves, Jarvis traveled throughout West Virginia, showing mothers how to keep their babies healthy by cleaning diapers, boiling milk and giving regular baths. This led to the creation of several 'Mothers Work Day Clubs' throughout the state that taught sanitary practices and raised money to buy medicines for families in need.

How did the Civil War influence Mother's Day?

Julia Ward Howe, author of the "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and a women's rights advocate, issued a "Mothers' Day Proclamation" in 1870. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Howe wanted one day set aside to celebrate peace and motherhood, especially after countless mothers lost their sons on the battlefield. In West Virginia, Ann Marie Jarvis, started "Mothers' Friendship Day" to close the emotional divide between neighbors caused by the Civil War.

How did Anna Jarvis continue her mother's work?

Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Marie Jarvis, lobbied for one day each year to celebrate the contributions of mothers throughout the country. Historical accounts point out, however, that Anna Jarvis did not intend for Mother's Day to become a holiday. Instead, Miss Jarvis envisioned a quiet day to be celebrated by the family.

What Mother's Day traditions did Anna Jarvis start?

On May 10, 1908, the first Mother's Day celebration was held at Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, W.Va. Anna Jarvis sent approximately 500 white carnations, her mother's favorite flower, to the church. According to reports, each mother in attendance received two carnations. Over time, the carnation became the symbol of Mother's Day, with flower-giving became a time-honored tradition. Five years later, the U.S. House of Representatives even adopted a resolution asking that all federal employees wear white carnations on Mother's Day.

What about greeting cards?

After President Woodrow signed the resolution that made Mother's Day a national holiday, writing to one's mother became a popular tradition. Over time, letters gave way to greeting cards, flower arrangements and candy. Jarvis, arguably the mother of Mother's Day, was opposed to all the commercialism that became associated with the holiday. Miss Jarvis then incorporated herself as the "Mother's Day International Association" and claimed a copyright on the second Sunday in May.

Jarvis, who never married, was even arrested for disturbing the peace at a Mother's Day festival in 1923. Protesting the sale of flowers, Jarvis has been quoted as saying "I wanted it to be a day of peace, not profit."