Mother's Day

There is a long standing myth that Mother's Day was created by the greeting card industry to make easy money from dutiful children. This is, indeed, a myth. Mother's Day was, in fact, envisioned by Anna Jarvis of West Virginia in the early part of the 20th century, between the years of 1907 (approximately when Anna Jarvis began her campaign to recognize mothers) and the year 1914, when President Wilson proclaimed it a day of observance.

Anna Jarvis used (and trademarked) the white carnation as the symbol of Mother's Day. She also trademarked the phases "Second Sunday in May" and "Mother's Day." The actual day became quickly commercialized and exploited for financial gain. Ms. Jarvis was so profoundly offended that she took up quarrels with the Governor of New York and Eleanor Roosevelt for perceived abuse of the day of recognition.

It was Anna's belief that Mother's Day should be a day of recognition, and was of great importance to her as it marked the anniversary of her own mother's death. She spent her entire life fighting a battle to keep Mother's Day for mothers, a message that is now somewhat lost amongst the din of commercialism.

So, in honor of Mother's Day, and on behalf of Anna and children everywhere, thank you, Mom. You made us who we are today.

source: Vancouver Sun, Louisa Taylor, Canwest News Service