Mother's Day is an occasion honouring the mother, maternal bonds, and motherhood. It is the occasion that lets us have a special celebration and express our love for our mothers. But like all the other festivities and occasions, Mother's Day has its origin, too, and we are here to make you aware of the history of Mother's Day.
As Mother's Day 2024 is here, it is emotionally important to know how it all started and who took the first step.
When was Mother's day celebrated for the first time?
Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1907. And the person responsible for the origin of Mother's Day is Anna Jarvis. It took her around two years to establish Mother's day as a recognized holiday in the United States. It was organized as a way to honour her late mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had initiated a similar Mother's Friendship Day as part of her work to reconcile Union and Confederate neighbours after the American Civil War. Anna Jarvis wanted Mother's Day to be a personal celebration between mothers and families, emphasizing the importance of honouring one's mother.
Who Is Anna Jarvis?
Anna Jarvis was a peace activist who was concerned for the care of wounded soldiers of the American Civil War. She has also created Mother's Day Work Clubs that address public health issues. Along with another peace activist, Julia Ward Howe, Anna Jarvies also urged the creation of Mother's Day for Peace. The belief and dedication of Anna Jarvis are the reason why we celebrate Mother's Day now.
The Struggle
The campaign that started in 1905 reached its final destination in 1914. Even though the first Mother's Day celebration was held in 1907 at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, it wasn't until 1914 that Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother's Day. The second Sunday of the month of May was chosen to observe and celebrate Mother's Day. The proposal for Mother's Day was rejected by U.S. Congress in 1908, which stated that there also has to be a 'mothers-in-law day'. However, nothing creates history until there is a struggle, and Anna Jarvis wrote the history of Mother's Day through her efforts. Due to her strong belief that there has to be a special day to honour the person who does more for you than anyone else, all the U.S. states observed Mother's Day in 1911.
Anna Jarvis, the person behind the origin of Mother's Day, has done so much.
As the occasion approaches, it is time to plan a celebration that will bloom your mother's heart with pride and happiness.
Here Are Some Lovely Mother’s Day Celebration Ideas
- Take your mother on a serene date: Choose a tranquil and cosy café or a quiet garden restaurant that is known for its calming ambience. The peaceful setting will allow you both to enjoy each other's company without the usual distractions, making it the perfect spot for meaningful conversations.
- Continuously surprise her with gifts: Throughout the day, delight your mother with a series of thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts that celebrate her. These can range from her favourite flowers or chocolates to personalized items such as a custom mug or a photo album filled with memories. Each gift could be accompanied by a note expressing your appreciation, making each surprise even more special.
- Give her a break from household duties: Encourage your mother to take a well-deserved day off from any household chores. Instead, she takes over all her responsibilities for the day. This might include cooking her favourite meals, cleaning the house, and taking care of any errands. Let her spend the day relaxing or indulging in her hobbies without any stress or obligations.
- Arrange a movie night: To make the evening memorable, organize a special movie night by going to a local theater to catch a new release or setting up a cinematic experience at home. Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, pillows, and her favorite snacks. Choose films that you both love or that hold special meaning to both of you.
- Celebrate with a themed cake: Order or bake a delicious Mother’s Day cake that is decorated to symbolize motherhood. The design could include elements that represent her interests or the journey of motherhood. Enjoy the cake together, reflecting on the sweet moments you've shared and the bond you cherish.
- Decorate her room with meaningful flowers: Adorn her bedroom or living space with beautiful arrangements of lilies and carnations. These flowers are beautiful and symbolize purity, love, and admiration, making them perfect for expressing your feelings on Mother's Day.
- Plan a spa day: Book a day at a local spa for both of you or set up a spa experience at home with scented candles, soothing music, and a variety of pampering treatments like facials, massages, or manicures. It's a relaxing way to spend quality time together and show her how much you appreciate all she does.
- Create a personalized playlist: Compile a playlist of songs that are meaningful to both of you or that remind you of special moments you have shared. Play it in the background during the day or during a special Mother's Day meal. This can be a sentimental reminder of your shared experiences and favourite times.
- Host a family gathering: Organize a surprise family gathering, inviting close family and friends. Depending on her preferences, this can be a potluck, barbecue, or formal dinner. It's a great way to celebrate her with all the people she loves around her, making her feel truly special and loved.
- Craft a heartfelt letter or video: Write her a letter or create a video expressing your gratitude and love. Share specific memories and tell her about the impact she's had on your life. This personalized gift will be something she can treasure and look back on for years to come.
