Surprising Origins of Mother's Day

Mother's Day has a rich history. Modern Mother’s Day: The U.S. Origin
The modern Mother's Day we know today began in the United States in the early 20th century:
Ann Reeves Jarvis, a peace activist, organized Mother’s Day Work Clubs during the Civil War to support mothers with childcare and health. After her death, her daughter Anna Jarvis campaigned to establish a formal Mother’s Day. In 1908, the first official Mother's Day was held at a church in Grafton, West Virginia. By 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May a national holiday to honor mothers. Ironically, Anna Jarvis later opposed the commercialization of Mother's Day. She had envisioned a quiet day of reflection and appreciation, not the booming industry of flowers, cards, and gifts it became.