When you think of Mother’s Day, what comes to mind? Is it breakfast in bed, doing your chores without being asked, or perhaps a homemade card that expresses all your feelings about Mom that you somehow cannot seem to remember to show throughout the year?
I think we can all agree that our moms are definitely taken for granted at times, and that may very well be part of what inspired Anna Jarvis in 1908 to become the founder of Mother’s Day, that annual tradition of thanking moms all over America for all they do and sacrifice for their families.
When Was Mother’s Day Founded?
Anna’s mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, was the force behind Mother’s Day Work Clubs that taught mothers young and old how to correctly care for their children. Anna thought the dedication shown to not only her own family, but the efforts her mother put forth to help other families thrive, deserved national recognition.
Tirelessly, she petitioned states and churches to adopt a “Mother’s Day” and, finally in 1914, the second Sunday of May was officially designated as Mother’s Day in the United States.
Mother’s Day Traditions in the United States and Around the World
Flowers, of course, are a large part of celebrating the day, so if you are considering following traditions, pink carnations help us celebrate mothers still with us, while white carnations are for remembrance of those mothers that remain with us in our hearts.
Around the world, other countries have unique Mother’s Day traditions as well.
In Japan, children do sketches, naming them “my mother.” Sketches become part of exhibitions all over the world. Japanese children are strongly encouraged by mom all year to learn to cook, and as part of their Mother’s Day, they then prepare the dishes for mom they have learned throughout the year.
Mother’s Day in Taiwan happens to follow Buddha’s birthday on the second Sunday of May, so it is a combination of celebrating mom alongside the religious observances. The holy day, the “Washing of Buddha,” includes a variety of activities like carnivals and grand parties.
Pakistan is one country that takes things to a whole different level. Television shows are prominently commemorating the day, and for those who have lost their mother, emphasis is put on praying for that loss. Moms are then treated by their families to lavish feasts and gifts throughout the day.
Lastly, in Mexico, as with many things in Mexico, Mother’s Day is done with color and flair. At home and at school, children make flowers, cards and other gifts, and part of the celebration is to visit mom on Mother’s Day Eve to bestow the colorful creations upon her so she starts the next day surrounded by gifts.
So, again, I think the one thing we can all agree on is the fact that without Mom, we would all be lost. She is our conscience, our champion, and the one person we can all count on to be there for us no matter what life brings us – good and bad.
Make sure on this Mother’s Day, you let your mother know how you truly feel about her. If she is no longer with you, still take the time; believe me, she will hear it, and you will be glad you did.
