Mothers Day

Two worn little shoes with a hole in the toe
—–And why have I saved them? well, all mothers know.
There’s nothing so sweet as a baby’s worn shoe
—–and the patter of little footsteps following you.
The feet they once held have grown slender and strong;
—–Tonight they’ll be tired after dancing so long.
I guided her feet when she wore such as these,
—–Dear God, may I ask, won’t you guide them now, please?

Moms have always been celebrated. In ancient Greece, Rhea, the Mother of all Gods, was honored in springtime festivities. In England, “Mothering Sunday” has been celebrated since the 1600′s (on the 4th Sunday of Lent).

It wasn’t until 1872 that Mothers’ Day in the United States was suggested. Julia Ward Howe suggested it be a day of peace. In 1907 Anna Jarvis began campaigning to establish a national Mothers’ Day. She started by convincing her mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia, to honor the memory of her mother on the anniversary of her mother’s death (the second Sunday in May). The following year, Philadelphia also celebrated Mothers’ Day. By 1911 Mothers’ Day was celebrated in almost every state in the US. Finally in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made Mothers’ Day an official national holiday to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

International Mother’s Day is May 11.

In 1996, California had the most mothers according to the Census Bureau–around 8.6 million.

Traditions:

• If your mother is living, wear a red carnation.
• If your mother has passed away, wear a white carnation.
• Brunch: a combination of breakfast and lunch typically served between 11 AM and 3 PM.
• Tell your Mom how much you love her and why.
• Give her a great big hug.

Use the navigation links on the left to find articles, crafts, recipes, and more goodies.