Mother’s Day in the United States has its origins in the efforts of a woman named Anna Jarvis. In the early 20th century, Anna Jarvis, inspired by her own mother’s work and dedication, began campaigning for a day to honor mothers and motherhood.

Anna Jarvis’s mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, was an activist and social worker who cared for wounded soldiers during the American Civil War. After the war, she organized Mother’s Day Work Clubs to promote health and sanitation and provide support to mothers. These clubs also became a unifying force in a divided country.

Following Ann Reeves Jarvis’s death in 1905, Anna Jarvis wanted to find a way to honor her mother’s work and show appreciation for all mothers. She believed that mothers were the “person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.” Anna Jarvis started a letter-writing campaign to gain support for the idea of a national Mother’s Day.

Her efforts bore fruit, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation officially establishing Mother’s Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It became a day to honor mothers and express gratitude for their love, care, and sacrifices.

However, as Mother’s Day gained popularity and commercialization increased, Anna Jarvis became disillusioned. She felt that the true meaning of the holiday was being lost amid the sale of cards, flowers, and gifts. She later devoted much of her life and resources to campaigning against the commercialization of Mother’s Day.

Despite Anna Jarvis’s protests, Mother’s Day has remained a popular holiday in the United States. It is a time for people to honor their mothers, express their love and appreciation, and celebrate the important role mothers play in their lives.