Mother’s Day in the United States began with Anna Jarvis of West Virginia, who wanted a heartfelt way to honor mothers after her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, passed away in 1905.
Ann Reeves Jarvis had dedicated herself to community work and healing efforts after the Civil War, inspiring Anna to campaign for a holiday to recognize the contributions of mothers everywhere.
The first official Mother’s Day took place on May 10, 1908, with observances in Grafton, West Virginia, and Philadelphia, emphasizing intimate gratitude over commercial gifts.
By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day nationwide.
Ironically, Anna Jarvis later opposed the commercialization of the holiday, insisting it should remain a genuine expression of appreciation.
Today, Mother’s Day continues to remind families to express love and honor the unseen sacrifices mothers make every day.