The History of Mother’s Day
Friday, April 10th, 2009Different countries celebrate Mother’s Day on different days, because this day has a number of different origins. Some sources say that this day comes from a custom of mother worship in ancient Greece.
The ancient Romans also had a holiday, called Matronalia, and during this day mothers received gifts. Besides the Mother’s Day, in many countries International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th.
The author of modern Mother’s Day holiday is thought to be Anna Jarvis. In 1912 she trademarked phrases “second Sunday in May” and “Mother’s day”. She has also created the Mother’s Day International Association.
Anna Jarvis created this day to honor the mother, not mothers in general. Meaning, the day is dedicated for the mother of each person, and each person has to honor his own mother.
The day was not recognized as national holiday immediately. Anna Jarvis first held a memorial for her late mother in 1907. It was a private ceremony. Later she ran campaigns to make this day popular.
Mother’s Day became popular in 1910 when clothing merchant John Wanamaker financed the campaigns. The holiday spread as a day for mother appreciation. It was accepted as national holiday by US President Woodrow Wilson on May 14, 2009.