Blast From The Past
Let's take it back to the beginning of the 19th century when Ann Reeves Jarvis created Mother's Day. When Jarvis was younger, her mother would say throughout conversations how she hoped the government would celebrate women for their efforts and contributions one day. Upon the passing of her mother, Jarvis made efforts to make her wish into a reality. She started with creating "Mothers Day Clubs" that focused on teaching other Mothers how to care for their children properly. As her efforts with working with other Mother's in the community continued to grow and take notice, President Woodrow Wilson put into law establishing what we now know as Mother's Day.
Unfortunately, Jarvis disapproved of how society took her idea and not only commercialized it but didn't give her any credit. When companies notice how they could make a profit from it, that became the focus. "By the time of her death in 1948, Jarvis had disowned the holiday altogether and even actively lobbied the government to see it removed from the American calendar" (History, 2021, p. 1). Jarvis originally wanted the idea of Mother's Day to be about local and national moms helping others mothers in need. She eventually denounced the holiday and even used her wealth towards lawsuits.
Presently Speaking
Today, the holiday is about celebrating moms, but with gifts. Gifts that acknowledge how much we care and appreciate our moms. Either in the form of a financial gift or sometimes a DIY. Mother's Day is celebrated globally, and each country celebrates its own unique way, but the same concept behind it to express respect, honor, and love towards mothers. This day is set aside for us to remind mothers how important they are and the roles of mothers in society.
What About the Future
As we reflect upon our past and present, we can learn from both views going into the future. I agree with Jarvis that we shouldn't wait upon a holiday to celebrate mothers worldwide. We should acknowledge moms just because it's a Friday. We should also lend a hand to other moms in need just because it's a Saturday. Willing to serve others is a rewarding gift itself. Making a change and influencing others to help will create a more significant change in each country and bring back the true meaning behind the original purpose. Grab a shopping cart and shop for mothers in need and make deliveries or make a donation to a non-profit in your area or you can volunteer to assist women. To all the moms, you are appreciated, and to my own moms who will read this, I love you both. Granite, you already knew that, but I wanted to remind you just because it's a Sunday.
Reference
History.com Editors. (2011, April 29). Mother's Day 2021. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day
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