Mother’s Day
The Creation of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is up and coming. This age-old holiday is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of the month of May, this year on May 11th. While traditions vary, nearly every country celebrates a day to honor mothers. Although it is celebrated worldwide, Mother’s Day is one of the few holidays which originated in the United States. Its creation stemmed from feminist social movements following the American Civil War. Activist Ann Reeves Jarvis created the Mothers’ Day Work Clubs, organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health. Then on May 12th, 1907, her daughter Anna Jarvis celebrated the first official Mother’s Day to commemorate her mother’s achievements in the women’s social movement. To fulfill her mother’s advocation for motherhood and community, Anna Jarvis led a campaign to establish the holiday in recognition of mothers, and their importance to families around the country. Within five years, nearly every state was celebrating the holiday, and it was declared a national holiday by Woodrow Wilson.
Mother’s Day Around the World
Jarvis’ celebration didn’t stop at the national level, however. Mother’s Day has found a place in many other countries, each with separate customs to honor motherhood and its importance in their societies. How is Mother’s Day celebrated today around the world? Here are a few of over 50 countries which celebrate motherhood this May.
United Kingdom
The foundation for Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom originated in the Middle Ages as a religious holiday, known as Mothering Sunday. It was a day on which people in domestic service, privately employed household workers, were permitted to return to their homes, or church. Influenced by the American traditions, Mothering Sunday became less religious in the 1950’s and is now celebrated similarly to our own country’s traditions.
Mexico
The Mexican tradition of Mother’s Day started in 1922 as an effort to promote the expansion of motherhood roles outside the home. The celebration often incorporates traditional Mexican foods and music, and focuses on the importance of families and togetherness, much like in the United States.
Japan
Japanese Mother’s Day was originally celebrated on March 6th, 1931, which marked the birthday of Empress Kojun. Starting in 1941, however, Japan’s Mother’s Day tradition shifted its focus to familial celebration and incorporates traditional Japanese gift-giving.
United States
As the origin country of Mother’s Day celebrations, you can see influences from American Mother’s Day all around the world. Mother’s Day in the United States is about spending quality time with your mother, doing family-favorite activities, and giving meaningful gifts to show appreciation for all they do. How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this May?
By: Keeley Rissman
Sources:
https://historycooperative.org/mothers-day-a-history/
https://www.history.com/articles/mothers-day-world-traditions
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