Mother’s Day: Sad Truth & Fun Facts For Cat Moms

Anna Jarvis, the woman credited as the founder of Mother’s Day, had a vision of a simple and heartfelt day to honor and appreciate mothers. However, she became deeply disillusioned by the commercialization of the holiday that occurred shortly after its official establishment. Let’s delve into the truth about Anna Jarvis and the journey of Mother’s Day before it transformed into a multi-billion dollar industry.

Anna Jarvis was born on May 1, 1864, in Webster, West Virginia. She was inspired by her own mother, Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, who had organized “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” during the Civil War era. These clubs were focused on improving sanitation and health conditions in their communities, and later, they promoted reconciliation between the Union and Confederate soldiers.

Following her mother’s death in 1905, Anna Jarvis sought to honor her and all mothers. She believed in a personal and sincere recognition of mothers, devoid of commercial interests. Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day service on May 10, 1908, at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. The day gained traction, and by 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, a nationally recognized holiday in the United States.

However, as Mother’s Day gained popularity, it also attracted the attention of businesses eager to profit from the occasion. Florists, card companies, and other merchants saw an opportunity to capitalize on the sentiments associated with the day. Anna Jarvis grew increasingly dismayed by the commercialization of Mother’s Day and the rampant exploitation of her heartfelt intentions.

Jarvis vehemently opposed the commercialization and exploitation of the holiday. She even filed lawsuits against companies she believed were misusing the name “Mother’s Day” or profiting from it in an unsavory manner. Jarvis’s efforts to protect the sanctity of Mother’s Day eventually took a toll on her mental and financial well-being.

Despite her relentless fight against commercialization, Anna Jarvis couldn’t reverse the trend. The holiday became synonymous with greeting cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts. It transformed into a massive industry generating billions of dollars in revenue each year.

It’s tragic that her simple and meaningful celebration of mothers took on a life of its own. She passed away on November 24, 1948, in a sanatorium, with hardly any financial resources remaining.

Despite the commercialization, the essence of Mother’s Day remains an opportunity to honor and appreciate the unconditional love and sacrifices of mothers worldwide.

Celebrating Mother’s Day without a Mother

My mother died in 2017 and since then Mother’s Day has shifted. I feel a deeper connection to honor my female ancestors. We can honor and celebrate maternal figures of our choosing. While you may not have a biological mother, there may be other influential women in your life who have nurtured and cared for you. Take this day to honor grandmothers, aunts, sisters, or mentors who have played a maternal role.

1. Reflect and Remember: Use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to reflect on the memories and lessons your mother may have imparted. Light a candle, write a letter, or create a small tribute to remember her love and the impact she had on your life.
2. Volunteer and Give Back: Channel your energy into making a positive difference in honor of your mother’s memory. Volunteer at a local shelter, community center, or organization that supports causes your mother would have cared about. Giving back can be a meaningful way to celebrate her legacy.