Happy Mother's Day! Celebrated before Hallmark told us to.

Mother's Day is a beloved annual holiday celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude to the remarkable women who have played pivotal roles as mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures in our lives. While the modern celebration of Mother's Day is associated with gifts, flowers, and heartfelt gestures, its origin story is rooted in a deep appreciation for maternal love and the tireless efforts of mothers. Let's take a journey into the history of Mother's Day to understand how this special day came to be.

The concept of celebrating mothers dates back to ancient times, with various cultures having their own traditions and festivals honoring motherhood. In ancient Greece, the annual spring festival dedicated to Rhea, the mother of the gods, was celebrated with great fervor. The Romans also paid tribute to motherhood with a festival called Hilaria, dedicated to Cybele, the mother goddess.

As time passed, these early celebrations evolved and merged with religious observances. In Christianity, the fourth Sunday of Lent was recognized as a day to honor the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. This occasion, known as Mothering Sunday, became a time for people to visit their "mother" church and reunite with their families.

The modern version of Mother's Day, as we know it today, can be attributed to the efforts of a remarkable woman named Anna Jarvis. Born in 1864 in West Virginia, Anna Jarvis was deeply influenced by her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, an activist who worked tirelessly to improve public health and promote reconciliation during the Civil War.

After her mother's death in 1905, Anna Jarvis embarked on a mission to establish a national holiday to honor mothers and their contributions. She tirelessly campaigned for several years, writing letters to politicians, organizing events, and rallying support from various organizations and influential figures.

Her efforts paid off when, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, a national holiday in the United States. The holiday gained popularity quickly, with people expressing their love and appreciation for their mothers by sending cards, presenting flowers, and offering tokens of gratitude.

However, as the commercialization of Mother's Day grew, Jarvis became disillusioned with the holiday she had fought so hard to establish. She felt that its true essence of heartfelt expressions of love and gratitude was being overshadowed by materialistic pursuits. Jarvis spent the latter part of her life campaigning against the commercialization of Mother's Day, even getting arrested for protesting at a Mother's Day event.

Despite her objections, Mother's Day continued to gain international recognition and spread to countries worldwide. Each culture and community has its own unique traditions and customs to celebrate and honor mothers, but the underlying sentiment remains the same — a day to acknowledge the immeasurable impact of mothers in our lives.

Today, Mother's Day serves as a cherished occasion to express love, appreciation, and gratitude for the selfless dedication and unconditional love of mothers. It is a day when we pause to reflect on the incredible influence and sacrifices they have made, shaping us into the individuals we have become.

Whether it's through thoughtful gifts, quality time spent together, or simple acts of kindness, Mother's Day provides an opportunity to convey our heartfelt thanks to the incredible women who have nurtured, guided, and supported us unconditionally.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us cherish and honor the remarkable women who have played a vital role in shaping our lives. May we embrace the spirit of gratitude and love, not only on this special day but every day, as we recognize the immeasurable impact of mothers around the world.