THE HISTORY OF MOTHER’S DAY

 

Traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day is a nationally recognized American occasion during which all mothers are recognized and celebrated. While the occasion is a firmly ingrained part of our culture today, it wasn’t always that way. Indeed, the holiday in its current form is a relatively new phenomenon.

 

Spiritual Roots

 

The concept of celebrating motherhood and motherly figures is deeply rooted in ancient times, although it originally took a more symbolic form. Prehistoric Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians commemorated mythical deities, goddesses, and biblical figures rather than the actual human mothers we recognize today. The Egyptians celebrated the goddess Isis, dubbed the mother of the pharaohs. The Romans celebrated the Phyrgian goddess Cybele, while the Greeks honored Rhea, the Greek mother of the Gods.

 

The American History

 

Originally denoted as “Mothers’ Work Day” in 1858 by housewife Ann Jarvis, the early form of the holiday was forged in an attempt to promote sanitary conditions throughout the Civil War. In the 1870s, social activist Julia Ward Howe began a campaign for a Mother’s Day for Peace as a way of rallying women together in opposition to the war and to promote peace, but her efforts at formalizing the occasion ultimately failed.

 

In the early 1900s, Ann Jarvis’ daughter, Anna Jarvis, launched a movement to create an official day of commemoration for women. The first incarnation of Mother’s Day as we know it today was recognized on May 10, 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. Thereafter, the rest of the nation slowly followed suit, with states beginning to formally celebrate the occasion in 1912. It wasn’t until 1914, however, when the current President, Woodrow Wilson, declared Mother’s Day an official annual holiday in honor of the mothers whose young sons had lost their lives fighting in the war.

 

Commercialization & Modern Celebrations

 

It only took several years for Mother’s Day to become a highly commercialized holiday. Today, the more than 82.5 million mothers in the United States are bestowed with gifts by their children as a way of showing their appreciation. Indeed, the Hallmark company estimates that a staggering 96% of Americans participate in Mother’s Day-related activities or purchases. Overshadowed only by Christmas, Mother’s Day is the second largest gift-giving occasion in the United States. According to the National Retail Foundation, the holiday is responsible for generating $14 billion annually.

 

In addition to giving gifts, many families commemorate Mom with flowers, dinners, greeting cards, and candies. Florists report their highest sales for the year in the month of May. The holiday is widely known as the busiest day for restaurant visits and the highest volume of long-distance telephone calls.

 

Mother’s Day Around the World

 

Although Mother’s Day does exist in various forms throughout the world, most other countries have largely taken their cues from Western civilization. While there are nuances in the ways in which various nations recognize the holiday, the high levels of marketing and gift-giving remain a common trend.

Towel & Mug Sets-comical messages that make light of her everyday trials and tribulations. Each screen-printed kitchen towel and matching porcelain mug is imprinted with a tongue-in-cheek quote that only a mother can truly appreciate.	Towel &Potholder sets-Combining practical function with a touch of humor, our Towel & Potholder Sets make a whimsical gift idea for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or just because. Each kitchen accessory is woven from 100% cotton to ensure easy-care softness and durability.	Leather Checkbook Covers-The perfect gift idea for the on-the-go mom, our collection of finely crafted Leather Checkbook Covers proves she doesn’t have to sacrifice fashion for nvenience. Hand-stitched from genuine leather, these luxury pocketbook accessories boast a	Leather Handbags-When it comes to dressing for success, the perfect accessory can make all the difference. Set Mom off to the office in style with one of our custom-crafted Leather Handbags. Far from ordinary, each of our designer
Pashmina Silk Scarves-This year, indulge Mom with the easy-care luxury of our Pashmina & Silk Scarves. Our skillfully woven collection includes a wide range of vibrant colors and patterns.	Traditional-Warm Mom’s heart with an endearing selection from this assortment of traditional gift ideas. Our adorable, plush stuffed bears are guaranteed to delight, while the heartfelt messages on our inspirational plaques	Leather Portfolios-Who says office accessories have to be boring? Put a stylish spin on Mom’s daily tasks with our collection of premium Leather Portfolios. Each deluxe notebook cover is crafted from only the finest genuine	Comical-Make light of Mom’s everyday trials and tribulations with our humorous collection of novelty gift ideas. An eclectic assortment of kitchen accessories and home accents lends cheer