This Day
The Woman Who Invented -- And Disowned -- Mother's Day (1914)
May 8, 2025
Explore the heartfelt origins of Mother's Day, credited to Anna Jarvis, who was driven to honor her mother. Delve into Jarvis's complicated feelings about the holiday's commercialization and the shift from genuine celebration to consumerism. Hear discussions on the importance of personal touches, like handwritten letters, in an age of convenience. The podcast reveals the fascinating struggles Jarvis faced as she sought to preserve the holiday's spirit while grappling with its evolving legacy.
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Quick takeaways
- Anna Jarvis was inspired to create Mother's Day to honor her mother Anne Jarvis's contributions and legacy in promoting family unity.
- Despite founding Mother's Day with noble intentions, Anna Jarvis ultimately opposed its commercialization, which overshadowed her vision for a heartfelt celebration.
Deep dives
Origins of Mother's Day
Mother's Day was officially established as a national holiday in the United States on May 9, 1914, following a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson. The idea for the holiday is often attributed to Anna Jarvis, who was deeply inspired by her mother, Anne Jarvis, a social activist who promoted women's causes, particularly during the Civil War. Anne created the concept of 'Mother's Friendship Day' to reunite families divided by war, emphasizing the importance of maternal bonds. Anna Jarvis sought to honor her mother's legacy after her death, leading to the inception of Mother's Day as a time to reflect, remember, and celebrate mothers' contributions to family and society.
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