Mother’s Day stands as a heartfelt tribute to mothers and motherhood, celebrating the profound bonds between mothers and their children, as well as the powerful influence of maternal figures within society. Observed in many countries—typically in March, April, or May—this holiday resonates deeply across cultures and traditions.
Though the official establishment of Mother’s Day in the United States is relatively recent, its spirit echoes ancient celebrations of motherhood. Historical observances, such as the Greek reverence for the mother goddess Cybele, Rome’s Hilaria festivals, and the Christian tradition of Mothering Sunday, reflect a long-standing veneration of maternal roles. While modern Mother’s Day is not directly descended from these customs, it often intertwines with them, offering a contemporary expression of age-old values.
The origin of the modern American Mother’s Day dates back to 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial in honor of her late mother. Inspired by her mother’s life and sacrifices, Jarvis launched a campaign to formally recognize a day dedicated to all mothers. Her efforts culminated in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day—a national holiday. However, the rapid commercialization of the holiday disheartened Jarvis, who envisioned a more solemn and personal form of appreciation. Despite her disillusionment, the celebration quickly gained traction worldwide, with millions now honoring mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures through cards, flowers, gifts, and acts of love.
Before Jarvis’s initiative gained national recognition, several localized efforts had been made to honor mothers in America. In the 1870s, Julia Ward Howe—best known for writing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”—advocated for a “Mother’s Day for Peace,” encouraging mothers to unite against war and promote peace. Though noble, Howe’s version failed to gain lasting momentum. Protestant churches also introduced celebrations like “Children’s Day,” which occasionally emphasized the role of mothers, but these were not sustained movements. Jarvis, however, was adamant that Mother’s Day as we know it was her original concept and did not acknowledge these prior efforts in her campaign.
In 1912, Jarvis took a definitive step to solidify her vision by trademarking the phrases “second Sunday in May” and “Mother’s Day,” and she founded the Mother’s Day International Association to promote her version of the holiday. She insisted that “Mother’s” be written in the singular possessive form, underscoring that the day was meant to honor one’s own mother, not a general celebration of motherhood. This distinction reflects her deep commitment to the personal and intimate nature of the holiday—a time for individual reflection, private gratitude, and heartfelt recognition.
Today, despite the commercial trappings that often accompany its observance, Mother’s Day remains a cherished occasion. It invites people to pause, remember, and celebrate the women whose love, guidance, and resilience shape lives and communities. Whether through a handwritten note, a shared meal, or a quiet moment of remembrance, Mother’s Day continues to affirm the sacred role of mothers in the human story.
Here are a few Bible passages referencing Mothers, perhaps you have others:
Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
John 16:21 “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”
Proverbs 31:28–29 “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'”
Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:31 “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Isaiah 66:13 “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.”
Proverbs 31:25-27 “Strength and honor are her clothing; she is confident about the future. Her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue. She is vigilant over the activities of her household; she doesn’t eat the food of laziness.” New International Version
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