History of Mother's Day (In Search of Roots)

Mother's Day is special to all of us, isn't it? All of us look forward to this day to let our mummy dear know how special she is to us. But do you know the roots of Mother's Day - just how this day came into existence; when was it first observed or who celebrated it first? Do you have any idea how little things like carnations got associated with this splendid occasion, or how the modern Mother's Day celebrations are related with the old tradition of "Mothering Sunday"? Are you aware who composed the first Mother's Day proclamation? If you are not, go down and check out the links given below. You are sure to enjoy them too.

Mother's Day History and Origin

Mother's Day is a holiday that honors mothers and motherhood, as well as maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. The modern holiday of Mother's Day is celebrated on different dates around the world, but the most common date is the second Sunday of May.

The history of Mother's Day dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, where festivals were held to honor maternal goddesses. In the early 20th century, a woman named Anna Jarvis began campaigning for a national holiday to honor mothers in the United States, following the death of her own mother. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, making it an official national holiday in the United States.

Mother's Day quickly became popular around the world, and today it is celebrated in over 100 countries. The holiday is typically celebrated with gifts, cards, and special meals, as well as acts of kindness and appreciation for mothers and maternal figures. However, the commercialization of Mother's Day has also led to criticism, with some arguing that the true meaning of the holiday has been lost. Nevertheless, Mother's Day remains an important day to recognize the vital role that mothers play in our lives and in society.

Check out the following links and know about the roots of modern Mother's Day celebrations:

Mother's Day history

Know how this day came into existence; when was it first observed and who celebrated it first.

Mother's Day History (An Alternative View)

Know about an alternative view of Mother's Day History as sent by one of our visitors.

The link with Mothering Sunday

Find out the similarity between Mother's Day as we celebrate it today and Mothering Sunday, a day celebrated by the early Christians in England to honor Mother Mary and expanded later to include all mothers.

Carnations

Know how carnations, or floral emblems, got associated with the fantastic tradition of Mother's Day.

Presidential Mother's Day Proclamation

The tradition of American Presidents giving a Mother's Day Proclamation started with President Woodrow Wilson on May 9, 1914 and continues to this day with each President of the United States doing so every year. Read a series of heartwarming Mother's Day proclamations by American Presidents from the year 2000 to the year last.

Original Mother's Day Proclamation

Appalled at the brutalities of the then ongoing Franco-Prussian War, Julia Ward Howe of Boston, Massachusetts, the famous lyricist of 'Battle Hymn of the Republic", made an impassioned "appeal to womanhood" in 1870 to rise against war. She wrote a proclamation the same year, had it translated into various languages and disseminated it internationally. This powerful plea is generally considered to be the original Mothers' Day proclamation. Read this historic Mothers' Day proclamation by Julia Ward Howe.

Happy reading!

Mother's Day Index