Mother’s Day is a special day dedicated to celebrating the most important person in our lives – our mothers. It’s a time to show our love, appreciation, and gratitude for all the sacrifices they’ve made for us. This day is an opportunity to make our mothers feel special and loved by showering them with gifts, hugs, and kisses. I know I’ll be showing my mom how much I love her!
For many people, Mother’s Day is simply a joyous occasion each May, a time to spend with our children and our mothers — marked by flowers, cards, and maybe some mimosas over brunch. So you might be surprised to learn that its cheerful greeting card messages belie a much darker, more complicated origin story. In fact, Mother’s Day traces its roots back to wartime traumas, and includes plenty of controversy. Here are five surprising facts you may not have known about Mother’s Day and its complex origins.
5 Surprising Facts About the Holiday
Mother’s Day officially began as a tribute to one woman.
First, Anna Reeves Jarvis is the person who is likely the person who gave us Mother’s Day. Her mother, Ann, passed away on May 9, 1905. As a result, she wanted to establish a day that would celebrate her and all the other mom’s, as a group. This movement began in West Virginia in 1908 and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Jarvis’ idea as a national holiday to be celebrated each second Sunday in May.
But before that, Mother’s Day started as an anti-war movement.
Second, Even thought Jarvis is widely believed to be the holiday’s founder, it is important to realize that the idea was known prior, with a bit of a different concept. Julia Ward Howe, a poet and author, joined with the antiwar activists and aimed to promote a Mothers’ Peace day. This group, included Ann Jarvis, Anna Jarvis’ own mother. Their idea was that Mother’s Day should spread unity across the globe in the wake of so much trauma following the Civil War in America and Franco-Prussian War in Europe.
Mother’s Day is a $25 billion commercial holiday.
Third, Today, Mother’s Day is a $25 billion holiday. We, as Americans spend on average $200 on Mom. And some spend a lot more. Some say this is another holiday just to go out and spend money unnecessarily on cards and flowers. I don’t believe that is true! Our MOM’s do deserve to be celebrated!
Jarvis died regretting her idea for this very reason.
Fourth, Commercialism, though, is the not what Ann Jarvis wanted! In her lifetime, she went after florists’ and aggressive marketing, eventually facing arrests for her activism. She did not believe in interpreting Mother’s Day as a way to promote the wellbeing of women and children at large. Nor did she think organizations should use the occasion as a way to raise funds for charity; she didn’t trust the purity of their efforts and saw them as profiteering off the holiday.
Jarvis herself never profited from her idea. In 1948, at the age of 84, she died penniless — having used all her money to fight the holiday’s commercialization — in a sanitarium.
The white carnation is the official Mother’s Day flower.
Fifth, The white carnation became the official flower of the holiday shortly after Jarvis’ own mother died. On May 10, 1908 — three years after that loss — Jarvis sent 500 white carnations to Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in her mother’s honor for that first Mother’s Day celebration, according to Time.
Jarvis compared that flower’s shape and life cycle to a mother’s love. “The carnation does not drop its petals, but hugs them to its heart as it dies, and so too, mothers hug their children to their hearts, their mother love never dying,” she said in a 1927 interview, cited in Nat Geo.
The Search for the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Begins!
Are you struggling to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift? No Problem! You have come to the right place. We know that Mom, is the most important person in your life. So, with that being said, we have carefully selected a range of gifts that will make your mother feel pampered, loved, and appreciated. From simple kitchen gadgets to luxurious fine wine selections, we have something for every budget and every mother.
Let’s start with the classic gift for Mother’s Day.
Flowers are a timeless symbol of love and affection, and they make the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Whether you choose a bouquet of her favorite flowers or a mixed arrangement, our selection of flowers is sure to impress. We offer same-day delivery, so you can surprise your mother with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on her special day.
Do you want to WOW Mom this year for Mother’s Day?
If you want to go above and beyond, why not treat your mother with a fine wine membership? The first thing to remember, our fine wines come straight from Napa and Sonoma Valley and are delivered straight to your front door! We are not talking about corner store quality wines, these are the finest wines available anywhere. What better way to help your mother relax and unwind after a long day. It’s the perfect way to show your mother how much you care.
Is your Mom always in the Kitchen?
For the Mom who loves to cook, our selection of fun kitchen gadgets will truly make any cooking adventure fun. From high-quality linens to specialty gadgets, we have everything your Mom needs to create delicious meals in the kitchen. Our kitchen gadgets selection includes everything from the avocado slicers to microwave cleaners with cute names! With this in mind, you are sure to find a gift Mom is sure to love.
CHOCOLATES are ALWAYS sure to please!!
Does Mom have a sweet tooth? Then why not surprise her with a delicious box of chocolates? Our beautiful selection of handcrafted chocolates is sure to impress, especially the most discerning chocolate lovers. From dark chocolate truffles to milk chocolate pralines, we have something for every taste bud.
What Mother doesn’t love Scarves, Handbags, and SHOES!!
For the Mom who follows the latest fashion trends; truly, our selection of scarves and shoes and handbags is sure to impress. From designer handbags to elegant scarves, we have everything your mother needs to make a fashion statement. I am a Shoe AND handbag FANATIC so this is a no brainer gift for me! But really, Mom will love whatever you choose from this classic selection that never goes out of style. You will always find the perfect gift!
Something a little sparkly for Mom on Mother’s Day?
Finally, Does Mom love Jewelry? We have the perfect selection here. You can’t mess this one up if you are shopping for jewelry!! She will always love a little bling bling. You don’t have to drive to New York, San Francisco or Atlanta to have fine jewelry. Do your shopping right from the comfort of your couch! Let Mom know just how much she means this year!
In conclusion
Mother’s Day is a special day to show your mother how much you care. With the selection of gifts we have here, you can make your mother feel loved, appreciated, and pampered. Whether you choose a bouquet of flowers, a luxurious fine wine membership, or a heartfelt fine jewelry selection, your mother is sure to feel special on her special day. So, why wait? Start shopping now and give your mother the best Mother’s Day ever!
