One of the most significant holidays in the U.S. is Mother’s Day. This holiday celebrates and honors the concept of motherhood and maternal bonds, highlighting the profound influence that mothers have on their families and society as a whole. Mother’s Day is celebrated in multiple different countries across the globe such as France, Russia, South Korea, etc.; however, its roots actually lie in the U.S.

It all began in 1908, when Anna Jarvis, an American social activist, held a church service in Grafton, West Virginia to honor her mother Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis (1832—1905). Ann Jarvis was also a social activist dedicated to improving the everyday lives and collaboration of her society. She was the founder of Mothers’ Friendship Day in 1876, three years after the end of the Civil War. Its purpose was to promote “reconciliation between Union veterans and Confederate veterans and their families.” Ann Jarvis was passionate in promoting peace and encouraging community-building.

In the midst of her mother’s work in 1876, Anna Jarvis witnessed her mother praying during a Sunday School class: “I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother’s day commemorating her for the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life.” Inspired by her mother’s words, Jarvis held a Mother’s Day service on May 12, 1908 — the date her mother passed away. 

Later, Jarvis succeeded in making Mother’s Day an official holiday. In 1914, just before the start of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Sunday in May as the first national Mother’s Day. 

However, despite the official recognition, Jarvis became discontent with how the holiday evolved. With the commercialization of Mother’s Day—a day with cards, flowers, and store promotions—Jarvis felt that the day had strayed from its original purpose of honoring a mother’s legacy. In fact, Jarvis began a petition to have the holiday recalled in 1943 because of this commercialization; however, this effort was not successful. 

Mother’s Day is meant to be a day to recognize and express gratitude for the dedication mothers provide for their families. It is a day of reflection and remembrance, and it is crucial that we do not lose sight of the holiday’s true purpose: showing our appreciation for the sacrifices and love our mothers give us every day.