Mother’s Day is observed this Sunday, May 13, 2012. While many people believe that the greeting card companies invented the holiday, its celebration is actually the result of legislation passed in congress. When Anna Jarvis’s mother passed away in 1905, she began lobbying to have an official day on the calendar for people to appreciate their mothers- both deceased and living. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day, a national holiday.
Mother’s Day became popular throughout the United States. Ms. Jarvis, who ironically never had any children of her own, was incensed by the commercialization of the holiday by florists and card companies. According to EmotionsCards.com, Jarvis even filed a law suit to try and stop a Mother’s Day festival and was once arrested for disturbing the peace at a convention selling carnations for a war mothers’ group.
While Jarvis may have regretted her role in the creation of Mother’s Day, mothers everywhere are grateful for this special day of recognition. Cards, flowers, gifts, and dining out are all popular ways to let a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, or mother-to-be, know you care. While no one is legally bound to participate in Mother’s Day at least call the moms in your life and express your appreciation.
Happy Mother’s Day!