The Woman Who Started it All: The Inspiring Story of Anna Jarvis and Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a beloved holiday celebrated around the world, but do you know the story behind it? The holiday was started by a woman named Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her own mother and all mothers everywhere. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating life and legacy of Anna Jarvis and how her efforts led to the creation of Mother's Day as we know it today.

Who was Anna Jarvis?

Anna Jarvis was a woman who dedicated her life to honoring and celebrating mothers. Born in 1864 in West Virginia, she was the ninth of eleven children. Her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, was a social activist who worked to improve public health and sanitation in their community. After her mother's death in 1905, Anna Jarvis began a campaign to create a national holiday to honor mothers. Her efforts were successful, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring Mother's Day a national holiday. Despite her success, Anna Jarvis later became disillusioned with the commercialization of the holiday and spent the rest of her life fighting against it.

What inspired her to create Mother's Day?

Anna Jarvis was inspired to create Mother's Day as a way to honor her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had passed away in 1905. Her mother was a social activist who had organized Mother's Day Work Clubs to improve public health and sanitation in their community. Anna Jarvis wanted to continue her mother's legacy and create a national holiday to honor all mothers. She believed that mothers deserved a day of recognition and appreciation for their hard work and sacrifices.

How did Mother's Day become a national holiday?

Anna Jarvis worked tirelessly to promote the idea of Mother's Day as a national holiday. She wrote letters to politicians, business leaders, and women's groups, urging them to support the idea. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation officially recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Anna Jarvis was thrilled that her dream had become a reality, but she soon became disillusioned with the commercialization of the holiday and spent the rest of her life fighting against it.

What was Anna Jarvis's legacy?

Anna Jarvis's legacy is the creation of Mother's Day as a national holiday. Her tireless efforts and advocacy led to the recognition of the holiday in 1914. However, she also left a legacy of fighting against the commercialization of the holiday. She believed that Mother's Day should be a day to honor and appreciate mothers, not a day for businesses to profit from selling gifts and cards. Her legacy serves as a reminder to focus on the true meaning and purpose of holidays and celebrations.

How can we honor Anna Jarvis's vision for Mother's Day today?

To honor Anna Jarvis's vision for Mother's Day, we can focus on the true meaning of the holiday and celebrate it in a way that is meaningful and personal. This could mean spending quality time with our mothers, expressing our gratitude and appreciation for all they do, or doing something special to make their day memorable. We can also support causes and organizations that align with Anna Jarvis's values, such as those that support maternal health and well-being. By honoring Anna Jarvis's legacy, we can keep the spirit of Mother's Day alive for generations to come.