The Mother of Mother’s Day: The Surprising History of Anna Jarvis

Every Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10, 2026), we see an explosion of jewelry ads, flower deliveries, and crowded restaurants. But the woman who invented the holiday, Anna Jarvis, would likely be horrified. In fact, she spent the last years of her life—and all of her money—trying to get the holiday abolished!

A Simple Tribute

The first official Mother’s Day service was held in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had been a peace activist during the Civil War. Anna’s vision was a “quiet day” of reflection where children would visit their mothers and attend church. She chose the White Carnation as the symbol because it represented the “purity, faithfulness, and fragrance” of a mother’s love.

The Commercial “Monster”

By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday. However, the floral and greeting card industries immediately saw a goldmine. When the price of white carnations skyrocketed and “Mother’s Day Cards” began to replace handwritten letters, Anna Jarvis went to war. She was once arrested for “disturbing the peace” while protesting a Mother’s Day carnation sale, famously saying: “A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world.”

How to Celebrate “Anna’s Way” in 2026

While we certainly support buying that beautiful piece of jewelry (and insuring it!), the true spirit of the day is found in the connection.

• Handwrite a note: Tell her a specific memory that means the world to you.
• Give her your time: In 2026, “undistracted time” is the rarest luxury. Put the phone away and just be there.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmoms, and mother figures out there. Your history is as rich and complex as the holiday itself!