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The History of Mother's Day And Some Gift Suggestions.
The centuries old establishment of a day on which Mother's were
celebrated dates as far back as celebrations in ancient Greece.
Celebrations in honor of Rhea, Mother of the Gods.
Later, in England, in the 1600's, this was - instead - considered a
religious holiday. A day on which Christians gathered together to
celebrate and honor Mary, mother of Christ. And eventually, by
religious decree in England, this celebration was expanded to
celebrate all mothers throughout the country.
Named "Mothering Sunday", in England, it was generally celebrated
during the 40 days of Lent, on the fourth Sunday of that period
leading up to Easter.
In time, as christianity spread, the celebration became one of not only
honoring Mary mother of Christ and mothers in general, but honoring
"mother church". Since the church was considered the spiritual mother
who gave them life, protected them from harm.
Though this became a popular holiday, celebrated throughout England,
over time Mothering Day celebrations ceased. Partly because it took
time to organize and participate. Partly because British were immigra-
ting to America in large numbers.
How Mother's Day Came to be Celebrated in America
While the British who immigrated to America had their own version of
the traditional "Mothering Sunday" celebrated in England, it was American
Julia Ward Howe, the social activist who penned the "Battle Hymn to
the Republic" who began a crusade. Which eventually became the
basis on which Mother's Day, as we know it today, was created.
Howe, horrified by the carnage of the Civil War, struck out on a
one-woman peace crusade. Making many impassioned appeals to the
women of America to stand together against the war. So serious was
she, during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 she traveled to London
and Paris. Unsuccessfuly trying to issue a peace manifesto at the
London and Paris conferences.
Unfazed, but more determined, she returned to America.
Howe then sat down and composed what later became known as
the Mother's Day Proclamation. Translating and distributing it widely;
promoting the idea of a "Mother's Day for Peace". To be celebrated
June 2nd each year. This day would not only honor peace, but
motherhood and womanhood. To this day, a Mother's Day procla-
mation is issued each year.
Still unable to affect the change she wanted, hailing from Massa-
chusetts, Howe decided to start there organizing a June 2 observance
of "Mother's Peace Day". Which eventually became an annual event.
In fact, by 1873, women in 18 American cities organized and held
their own gatherings for peace.
For many years, Howe determinedly lobbied powers that be to make
this an official day of observance. To no avail since it was a day
largely built upon women standing together against the war. Though
lobbying year, after year, she never reached her goal. Yet today she's
credited with original idea upon which the current idea of Mother's Day
was eventually established in America.
But wait. There's more...
The formal establishment of what we know as Mother's Day in
America -
is further due - in large measure - to Anna Jarvis and before her,
her mother Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis.
Ann Marie, an Appalachian homemaker was instrumental in improving
sanitation thru what she called Women's Friendship Clubs. Through
these groups, established during the Civil War in America, Ann Marie
was able to teach women to work for better sanitary conditions for
both Union and Confederate soldiers and neighbors.
From basic sanitation and nursing procedures learned from her
brother Dr. James Reeves, Anna was able to train thousands of women
these same important procedures. Thus helping save many thousands
of lives. Eventually these groups were honored on what became
known as Mother's Work Day.
Ann Marie's daughter Ann finally succeeded in establishing the formal
Mother's Day we now celebrate in 1907. Two years after her mothers
death. not only wanting to honor her mother and her mother's work,
she wanted a day to celebrate other American mothers as well. Only
after many hours, months and days of concentrated lobbying, and campaigning, did Anna reach her goal.
As a result of Anna Jarvis's determined efforts, Mother's Day was finally
established. The first formal Mother's Day celebrated on May 10, 1908.
After that, it's observance caught on. And in 1911 there wasn't a state
in the union that wasn't observing it. In fact, by then, countries such as
Japan, Canada, Africa and China were also observing it.
On December 12, 1912, the Mother's Day International Association was
born. Established to promote and encourage meaningful observances,
the group was responsible for introducing large jars filled with white
carnations to platforms where observances were held.
Then, on May 9, 1914 U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother's
Day a national holiday. To be celebrated annually on the 2nd Sunday in
May. And, along with that, the Carnation as it's flower. That done, he
asked Americans to give a public expression of reverence to mothers on
the second Sunday in May as a public expression of our love and
reverence for the mothers of our country.
Others Countries Also Celebrating Mother's Day May 10th:
- Australia
- Japan
- Belgium
- Canada
- Finland
- Denmark
- Turkey
- Italy
Quotes Celebrating Mothers:
- "The best academy, a mother's knee". James Russell Lowell.
- "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother". Lin Yutang.
- "All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother".
Abraham Lincoln.
- "When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A
mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her
child". Sophia Loren.
- "A mother's yearning feels the presence of the cherished child even
in the degraded man". George Eliot.
- "A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden
fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends
rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around
us, still will she cling to us and endeavor by her kind precepts and
counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness and cause peace to return
to our hearts". Washington Irving.
- "A mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart - a heart so large
that everybody's grief and everybody's joy found welcome in it and
hospitable accommodation". Mark Twain.
- "Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and
worries".
T. DeWitt Talmage.
- "A mother understands what a child does not say". Jewish proverb.
Mother's Day Gift Suggestions
Delectable Gourmet Goodies
Let's face it. Who doesn't love some gourmet goodies now and then.
OK. So they aren't what could be called nutritious. But they sure are
good. And most of us don't buy the kind listed below. Which Cheryl&Co.
create and bake. We've tasted some. And they're awesome! So we know
your Mom, or that special Mom in your life, is very likely to enjoy them
as much as we have.
There's dozens of items to choose from. Everything from delectable
Buttercream cookies to chocolate brownies and bites. That will have
your salivating. And wanting more.
Gifts for Mom to Show Her You Care Any Time of the Year:
 
(Click the graphic for more info.)
It's easier than ever to send beautiful flowers to Mom. Choose by occasion.
example - Birthday, Retirement, Get Well, All Occasion. A simple gift to
say I love you. Whatever the occasion there's likely a unique and special arrangement just for that.
Fresh flowers. Designed when you order them. Arriving fresh and blooming! Also choose from such designers as Martha Stewart. Select from dozens of dazzling gifts from Martha's Boutique. Great Values for Any Occasion!
- Same Day Delivery
- Gift Cards available
- Gourmet Chocolates
- Gift Baskets
- Awards Program
- Easy Ordering, tracking.
- Sign up for email deals.
 
More Beautiful Gifts for Mom and Great Deals on Diamonds and Jewelry
Find Great Gifts of Wine and Chocolates for Mom
 
Dom Perignon & Godiva for Mom
 
Mom's California Wine Tour Gift Basket
Save 5% any order. Use code MAY5. Expires 5-31-09
Save $5 off $75 or more. Use code MAY75. Expires 5-31-09
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