Overview of the Transition of the Tradition of Mother’s Day
When
the idea of a Mother’s Day took birth in the enlightened minds of the most
eminent women activists of the Civil War era, they must have no inkling of the
huge celebration it has turned into now days. When they had conceived the idea,
they had wanted a day when women could find one day in their lives when their
children showed their love with gifts and gestures. There must be mothers in
the world that would like to put up their feet and relax for a day and imagine
their delight when their children endeavor to give them just that.
Germ of an Idea
The
idea of a fest to celebrate motherhood was first advocated by eminent poet,
author and activist, Julia Ward Howe. Her works during the Civil War Era have
been felicitated much, as her “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and the document,
which put forward her said idea, the “Mothers’ Day Proclamation.”Her efforts came
to naught because of the prevailing conditions of the country at that time. Her
views were borne more out of a desire to stop War and promote peace, citing
this as the desire of every mother who had sent their sons into battle.
First Mother’s Day
Decades
later, when the heat of the idea had almost died down, a new personality with
the same core of strength emerged with even more solid ideas. She wanted to
commemorate her mother’s fondest wish to have a day dedicated for mothers. In
order to fulfill this, Anna Jarvis propagated the idea of setting a day for
this purpose. She took the very first step by presenting 100 carnations to the
mothers in the Methodist Church her mother was a part of. They were her
mother’s favorite flowers, believed to signify the pure and unconditional love
of a mother.
Struggles and Success
Anna
Jarvis lobbied fiercely to get a day declared as the Mother’s Day and it was
the early 20th century when the country was building itself up,
with, many reforms in the works. Her point was that when a society forgot to
pay its respects to the efforts of its mothers by setting aside the notion of
assigning a day for the purpose, there was a bleak future ahead. Her appeals
paid off and on May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson of the US signed a Joint
resolution. The resolution stated that the second Sunday of May every year will
be celebrated as Mother’s Day.
Contemporary Celebrations
There
is a world of difference in the ways of celebrations currently undertaken and
the kind visualized by those who fought for the holiday. Although the gestures have
been overwhelmed by a surge of commercialization, the spirit still remains
same. The lifestyles have changed as have the thread of the society since then.
Additionally, the connectivity has increased, where if the children are unable
to come personally to their mother, they can always video conference and has
the gift delivered exactly at the right time. Life has changed, so has the method
of demonstrating love.
