by Pamel Johnson-Welsh

Created on: April 23, 2008

Mother's Day: History And Ideas

In 1908 Anna M. Jarvis campaigned the church, for a day called Mother's Day to become official, in remembrance of her mother Anna Reeves Jarvis. Her mother had devoted twenty years to the church doing Sunday School teaching. On May 10, 1908 at Andrew's Methodist Church, in Grafton Virginia, a celebration was held. To honor her mother and in celebration of peace. This celebration was the first official Mother's Day celebration in the United States. Other women in previous years, most notably Julia Ward Howe, had celebrated Mother's day unofficially mainly on July 4th. In 1914Woodrow Wilson made history as he officially signed the paper to make the second day in May Mother's Day.

Through the ages many different meanings have been attached to Mother's Day. Or as some cultures call it Mothering Sunday. Did you know that in other regions of the world it is even celebrated at different seasons/months of the year. Some countries celebrate the church as the Mothering Spirit in which they are grateful to as other's give offering to other deity's. Celebrations can last just for the day of even up to three days in the observance of the Mother. Whether the Mother image is Mom, church or deity; the thankfulness for the giving of love, inspiration, life, and protection is the main thread.

Therefore, remember your Mother in some way this Mother's Day. Be thankful for what she has done for you. Maybe, she wasn't a perfect Mom or always there like you wished. Mothers are not infallible, they are human after all. If you have a problem or issue that has kept you apart; then maybe the best gift of all could be resolution, forgiveness or at least talking it over (actually listening to her side without interruption). If your Mom is still around and you need to resolve something - don't wait till it's too late. She is always going to be there for you (even if you are the one at fault- she will forgive you). That's what a Mom's love is all about.

Gift Ideas:
You could get the regular standbys of chocolate, flowers, or a card.

Or you could dress up those options:
1)Don't buy a card - make one;Mom's love handmade things, then if you live nearby make her either breakfast or lunch too and do the dishes afterwards.
2)Hand-picked flowers in an unusual or hand-painted vase with a photo of you (or your family attached) to it.
3)Home-made candy or chocolates or even bread or cookies (whatever she loves the best) on a home-made ceramic plate with her grand-children's

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