Mothers Day… and the Christian Connection

England in the 1660s

‘Mothering Sunday’ was first a recognition of Mary the mother of Jesus.

Later it grew to honour all mothers.

Reviving Mother’s Day

Anna Maria Jarvis lived in America, around the time of the American Civil war.

She worked hard to promote the role of ‘mother’ and help mothers to create healthier and more hygenic homes.

Joining together

Anna instigated the ‘Mothers Friendship day’ which brought into being many ‘clubs’.

At club meetings Anna would share important sanitation practices for the home. These came from ideas she learned from her brother who was a doctor.

Reconciliation

Anna developed mothers clubs for both sides, who had been enemies during the American Civil War. This brought Union and Confederate neighbours together and helped the road to reconciliation.

A Dream UnfulfilledWhen Ann Maria Jarvis passed away after a long illness, one of her two daughters, Anna Jarvis decided to dedicate her life to her mother’s dream of a Mother’s Day to honour all mothers around the world.

Anna missed her mother greatly and felt children often neglected to appreciate their mother enough while she was still alive.

Honour your … Mother

As a Sunday school teacher Anna was very aware of the Fifth of the Ten Commandments, “Honour your father and mother”.

Anna shared her desire to bring to life her mother’s dream and it was readily accepted by her friends. The first Mothers Day service was held at her church and she handed out her mother’s favourite flower, the White Carnation. At first, people observed Mother’s Day by attending church and writing letters to their mothers.

Joining the Celebration

After letter writing and lobbying the Governors of Oklahoma and West Virginia in 1910, the Second Sunday in May was proclaimed as Mother’s Day. As a special day it became popular very quickly.

Becoming a ‘Special’ Day

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as the official day of the celebration.

Soon many countries, including Australia, joined in the celebration.

Losing focusWithin ten years, the rapid commercialisation and exploitation of this sacred and joyous celebration for Mothers caused Anna much grief. She even ‘wished she would never have started the day because it became so out of control’.

Lest we forget

Mothers Day has flourished all around the world. In the USA the second Sunday in May has become the most popular day of the year to dine out, and the telephone lines record their highest traffic.

However let us not forget the original intention as set out by God to always celebrate and honour the mothers in our families, churches and in our society.