Mother’s Day Roots: How Women’s Movements Shaped the Holiday
Mother’s Day in the US traces its origins to 19th-century women-led movements advocating for peace and better public health. Early activists, such as Ann Jarvis, organized “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to improve sanitary conditions. Later, Julia Ward Howe pushed for a “Mother’s Day for Peace.” Over time, the holiday shifted away from activism toward celebrating motherhood with cards and flowers, spurred by commercial interests. Modern observers are rediscovering its activist roots, encouraging families to honor not only the nurturing side of motherhood, but also the social justice efforts that shaped the day.
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Key Entities
- • Ann Jarvis: Organized “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” in the mid-1800s to fight disease and infant mortality.
- • Julia Ward Howe: American poet who advocated for a “Mother’s Day for Peace” in 1870.
- • Modern Mother’s Day: Officially recognized in the US in 1914, but later commercialized.
- • Peace & Public Health Movements: 19th-century campaigns that many mothers championed, shaping local communities.
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