Mother’s Day is a celebration that honours the significant contributions and influence of women in our lives. While it has become a secular holiday, its origins can be traced back to the Christian faith.
In 1908, Anna Jarvis, a devout Christian from West Virginia, organised the first official Mother’s Day service at her church. She chose the second Sunday in May as the date for the celebration, which was meant to honour her own mother who had passed away three years prior.
Jarvis envisioned Mother’s Day as a time for children to express gratitude and appreciation for their mothers’ love and sacrifices. She believed a mother was ‘the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.’
The idea quickly gained popularity and spread throughout America, with President Woodrow Wilson officially declaring it a national holiday in 1914.
But why did Jarvis choose to celebrate Mother’s Day through a Christian lens? For her, it was about recognising the biblical teachings on motherhood and family values. The Bible portrays motherhood as a sacred role ordained by God. Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman who works tirelessly for her family and community. In Luke 1:46-55, Mary praises God for choosing her to be Jesus’ mother.
In Australia, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May just like in America. It is an occasion where families come together to show their appreciation for all that their mothers have done for them. This can include anything from cooking breakfast in bed to giving thoughtful gifts or simply spending quality time together.
While we may not all share Anna Jarvis’ Christian beliefs, we can still appreciate the spirit of gratitude and reverence that she sought to instill through this special day. We can this opportunity to honour and cherish the remarkable women who shape our lives each day – not just on Mother’s Day but every day of the year.
