The history of Mother’s Day can
be traced back to ancient times when societies
in Greece and Rome honored goddesses such
as Rhea, Mother to the Gods and Isis,
Mother to the Pharaohs.
In the United States we have Julia Ward
Howe to thank for helping to establish
our Mother’s day. In 1872 Howe,
who wrote the words to the immortal Battle
Hymn of the Republic, was so upset by
the number of young men killed during
the Civil War that she called for all
Mothers to come together for a day that
would celebrate peace and Motherhood.
When Julia Howe died her daughter Ana
took up the cause to create a special
day to honor her Mother and the cause
of peace. A church in Virginia and one
in Pennsylvania were the first to celebrate
an official Mother’s Day.
President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, recognized
Mother’s Day as a national holiday
to be observed on the second Sunday in
May each year. Traditionally white carnations
were used to honor deceased Mothers while
red or pink carnations were given to Mothers
still alive.
Today over 40 countries around the world
celebrate Mother’s day.
If you have any questions, please e-mail
Judy
