We’ve forgotten that the holiday’s origins had nothing to do with sentimentality—it was a rallying cry for women to seize political power and prevent the “mutual murder” of war.
huh, what???? come on, TMI mansplaining. Keep it simple. Mother's Day in the US was created by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children.
Following her own mother's death in 1905, Jarvis aimed to fulfill her mother's wish for a dedicated day, leading to the first official celebration in 1908 and national recognition in 1914.
Anna Jarvis sought to honor her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, who passed away in 1905. Her mother was a community health activist who organized "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" to reduce infant mortality, improve sanitation, and care for soldiers on both sides of the Civil War.
Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day service on May 10, 1908, at a church in Grafton, West Virginia, and in Philadelphia. Following a massive letter-writing campaign by Jarvis, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation in 1914 declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
Original Intent vs. Commercialization: While Jarvis intended the day for personal, heartfelt gratitude (often symbolized by white carnations), she later campaigned against the holiday due to its rapid commercialization by florists and card companies.
Sue, I hear you on keeping it simple and honoring mothers’ sacrifices. I absolutely agree that’s the heart of the day.
The reason I brought up the older history is that, in 2026, women really are under attack again—in their healthcare, their safety, even their place in public life. For me, that makes it even more important to remember that mothers and women didn’t just raise families; they also demanded a say in the kind of world their children would grow up in.
I’m not asking anyone to see it the same way I do. I am saying that we need to hear from women themselves, loudly and clearly, when their rights and futures are on the line.
huh, what???? come on, TMI mansplaining. Keep it simple. Mother's Day in the US was created by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children.
Following her own mother's death in 1905, Jarvis aimed to fulfill her mother's wish for a dedicated day, leading to the first official celebration in 1908 and national recognition in 1914.
Anna Jarvis sought to honor her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, who passed away in 1905. Her mother was a community health activist who organized "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" to reduce infant mortality, improve sanitation, and care for soldiers on both sides of the Civil War.
Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day service on May 10, 1908, at a church in Grafton, West Virginia, and in Philadelphia. Following a massive letter-writing campaign by Jarvis, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation in 1914 declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
Original Intent vs. Commercialization: While Jarvis intended the day for personal, heartfelt gratitude (often symbolized by white carnations), she later campaigned against the holiday due to its rapid commercialization by florists and card companies.
Sue, I hear you on keeping it simple and honoring mothers’ sacrifices. I absolutely agree that’s the heart of the day.
The reason I brought up the older history is that, in 2026, women really are under attack again—in their healthcare, their safety, even their place in public life. For me, that makes it even more important to remember that mothers and women didn’t just raise families; they also demanded a say in the kind of world their children would grow up in.
I’m not asking anyone to see it the same way I do. I am saying that we need to hear from women themselves, loudly and clearly, when their rights and futures are on the line.