Unique Mothers Day Presents
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Julia Ward Howe launched the first Mother’s Day celebration on June 2, 1872. Back then, it was different than we think of Mother’s Day today. It was correctly called the “Mother’s Day for Peace,” and its goal was to remonstrate war and celebrate peace. In addition, moms everywhere were also acknowledged for their roles in the well-being of a peaceful society. Women’s suffrage also was mentioned on this day of the year. Until the turn of the 20th century, the holiday was pretty much celebrated in this way.
An additional female who contributed substantively to our nation by rallying other women to the cause of improving their neighborhoods was Ann Reeves Jarvis. Once she had died, her child Anna started lobbying for establishment of a countrywide celebration in honor of mothers. This was agreed to by President Wilson in the year 1914. Ever since that time, we have had an annual celebration on the 2nd Sunday in the month of May.
Jarvis, who never became a mother herself, did not intend for Mother’s Day to be a commercial affair. She favored sentiment to commercialism. As the holiday became more and more associated with gift giving, she began to speak out against the practice. Many people would send flowers to their mothers as they do today. Even this did not sit well with Jarvis. She spent the rest of her life reminding people that the holiday was about the sentiments that should be given to mothers, and not the gifts.
Many people celebrate Mother’s Day by spending time with their mothers. For those who live too far away to visit, it is customary to send flowers or cards. Some people choose to send their mother her favorite variety of flower while others choose flowers that hold a more personal and special meaning to her.
Finding Mother’s Day gifts is an enjoyable activity for children. Fathers can enjoy it too, as it provides an opportunity to spend more time with their children. Common gifts are clothing, flowers, jewelry, books and collectibles.
Jarvis may not have intended the Mother’s Day holiday to be filled with gift giving and special parties. She had wished for a special day be made to honor mothers. With that intention, she was very successful, as people all over the world give admiration to their moms.
