Anna Jarvis: History of Mother's Day

Summary

This educational video discusses the origins and history of Mother's Day, focusing on the contributions of Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis. It explores how Mother's Day evolved from ancient celebrations in Greece and Rome to its modern form, largely shaped by Jarvis to honor her mother, Anne Reeves Jarvis. While Jarvis initially intended for the day to celebrate mothers' contributions to peace and social welfare, it became commercialized over time. Despite her frustration with this development, Anna Jarvis is considered the mother of Mother's Day, a holiday that continues to honor the profound impact mothers have on families and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mother's Day has ancient origins, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was tied to honoring goddesses of motherhood.
• 😀 The first recognized celebration of Mother's Day was held during the 1600s in England, known as Mothering Sunday, a day when servants were allowed to visit their mothers.
• 😀 The modern concept of Mother's Day is attributed to Julia Ward Howe, a Boston writer and pacifist, who proposed the idea in 1872 as a day for peace.
• 😀 Julia Ward Howe's vision of Mother's Day focused on peace and reconciliation, especially after the Civil War, but it did not gain widespread recognition.
• 😀 Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis, is credited with founding the official Mother's Day celebration in the U.S. in the early 1900s to honor her mother's work and legacy.
• 😀 Ann Reeves Jarvis, Anna Jarvis' mother, founded Mother's Day Work Clubs to improve child health and social conditions in West Virginia during the 1850s.
• 😀 Ann Reeves Jarvis played a pivotal role in promoting peace during the Civil War by organizing Mother's Friendship Day to bring together families divided by the conflict.
• 😀 Anna Jarvis' campaign for a national Mother's Day began in 1907, and by 1914, it became an official U.S. holiday, celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
• 😀 The initial vision for Mother's Day was to honor all mothers and recognize their contributions to peace, social action, and community building.
• 😀 Over time, Mother's Day became commercialized, leading Anna Jarvis to criticize the holiday's commercialization, especially the selling of flowers and cards, which she did not envision when she created the holiday.
• 😀 Despite the commercialization, Mother's Day remains a global celebration, with different countries observing it on varying dates, but primarily on the second Sunday of May in many nations.

Q & A

What is the significance of Mother's Day as discussed in the script?

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers, and its history has roots in various ancient and cultural practices. The modern form of Mother's Day, as we know it today, was largely shaped by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century, who sought to commemorate her mother’s efforts in social action and peace.

How does the script trace the origins of Mother's Day to ancient traditions?

The script explains that the earliest celebrations of Mother's Day can be traced back to ancient Greece, where offerings were made to honor Rhea, the mother of the gods. Similarly, in ancient Rome, a festival called the 'Festival of Hilaria' honored Magna Mater, the mother of all gods, with gifts and festivities.

What was the role of Julia Ward Howe in the development of Mother's Day?

Julia Ward Howe was an early proponent of Mother's Day, suggesting it in 1872 as a day dedicated to peace. She wanted the day to honor women, particularly those who had suffered from war, and worked toward creating a Mother's Day for peace.

Why did Anna Jarvis create Mother's Day?

Anna Jarvis created Mother's Day to honor her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had worked tirelessly for the welfare of children and families in West Virginia, particularly focusing on improving health and sanitation to combat high child mortality rates.

What were some of the social actions led by Ann Reeves Jarvis?

Ann Reeves Jarvis organized Mother's Day Work Clubs and later Mother's Friendship Clubs in the 1850s. These clubs focused on improving health conditions, providing medical care for the poor, and supporting both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War by fostering reconciliation.

What is the significance of the second Sunday in May for Mother's Day?

The second Sunday in May was chosen for Mother's Day because it coincided with the anniversary of Ann Reeves Jarvis' death. Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her mother's work and legacy on this day.

What was Anna Jarvis' reaction to the commercialization of Mother's Day?

Anna Jarvis became disillusioned with the commercialization of Mother's Day. She was upset that businesses began profiting from the holiday, especially through the sale of carnations, and she even filed lawsuits to stop commercial events, advocating for Mother's Day to remain a sentimental occasion.

How did the U.S. government officially recognize Mother's Day?

Mother's Day was officially recognized by the U.S. government when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it a national holiday in 1914. He declared the second Sunday in May as a day to honor mothers for their contribution to the nation's strength and inspiration.

How does the script describe the global celebration of Mother's Day?

The script notes that Mother's Day is celebrated worldwide, though the dates vary. In some countries like the U.S., Canada, and others, it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, while other nations like Mexico and India observe it on May 10th.

What is the lasting legacy of Anna Jarvis, according to the script?

Despite her objections to the commercialization of the holiday, Anna Jarvis' legacy lives on through the widespread celebration of Mother's Day. Her efforts to honor mothers and the social causes championed by her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, remain central to the holiday's meaning today.