Who created the American tradition of Mother's Day?
The American tradition of Mother's Day as we know it today is largely attributed to the tireless efforts of Anna Jarvis. Inspired by her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had a history of community activism and a desire for a day to honor mothers, Anna dedicated years of her life to campaigning for the official recognition of Mother's Day. Following her mother's death in 1905, Anna organized the first official Mother's Day celebration in Grafton, West Virginia, in 1908.
Through persistent letter-writing and advocacy, Anna Jarvis successfully garnered national attention and support for her cause. In 1914, her efforts culminated in a significant victory when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as a national holiday dedicated to mothers. While her initial vision was for a more personal and heartfelt observance, focusing on handwritten letters and individual appreciation, the holiday quickly evolved to include the commercial aspects we see today, a development that deeply disappointed Anna Jarvis in her later years.
No comments:
Post a Comment