Mother’s Day is a cherished and heartwarming tradition, a beautiful opportunity to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of mothers around the world. At Tognoli Florist, we take great pride in helping you express your love with exquisite floral arrangements that speak from the heart. As we look forward to Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11, 2025, let’s embrace the rich history and global traditions surrounding this special day, including the touching story of Anna Jarvis, the devoted woman behind its modern observance.
The Origins of Mother’s Day
The roots of Mother’s Day stretch back to ancient times, where love and reverence for mothers were celebrated in different cultures. In Greece, people gathered to pay tribute to Rea, the mother of gods like Zeus and Poseidon, presenting offerings and joining in joyous festivities. Meanwhile, the Romans commemorated Cybele, the mother goddess, during the festival of “Hilaria,” which featured three days of heartfelt ceremonies starting on March 15. In Egypt, the beautiful goddess Isis was revered as a symbol of maternal devotion, demonstrating the universal acknowledgment of mothers’ vital roles through history.
Anna Jarvis: The Passion and the Paradox
However, it was in the 19th century that Mother’s Day began to take its modern shape in the United States, largely thanks to the tireless efforts of two remarkable women: Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis. Anna Jarvis, an American homemaker with a deep love for her mother, was inspired by the life and legacy of her own mother, Ann Marie Jarvis. A passionate social activist during the U.S. Civil War, Ann Marie organized women to care for soldiers on both sides, and she often expressed her hope for a day dedicated to honoring mothers for their unparalleled service to humanity.
When Ann Marie passed away in 1905, Anna took her mother’s words to heart and founded the International Mother’s Day Association, choosing the second Sunday of May to commemorate the occasion. In 1907, she held the first modern Mother’s Day celebration in a church in Grafton, West Virginia, gifting 500 white carnations—her mother’s favorite flower—that symbolized purity, love, and the enduring bond of motherhood.
Honoring Anna Jarvis’s Vision
Anna’s efforts bore fruit in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed Mother’s Day into law, honoring the selfless love of mothers everywhere. However, as the holiday’s popularity surged, Anna grew frustrated with its commercialization. She passionately criticized businesses that exploited the day for profit, believing that Mother’s Day should be a sacred occasion for families to express genuine love and appreciation rather than just a commercial transaction.
Anna Jarvis’s story is a poignant reminder of the deeper meaning behind Mother’s Day. While she lamented the commercialization of the holiday, her original vision remains timeless: to honor the invaluable contributions of mothers with heartfelt gratitude and love.
This Mother’s Day, we invite you to embrace the holiday’s original intent. Our team carefully crafts each bouquet, ensuring that every arrangement feels unique and genuine. Here’s how we honor the spirit of Mother’s Day:
- Personalized Floral Designs: From classic carnations to vibrant spring blooms, we create arrangements that reflect your mom’s personality and preferences.
- Heartfelt Delivery: Our local delivery service ensures your gift arrives fresh and full of love, no matter where you are.
- A Commitment to Quality: Each bouquet is lovingly designed, reflecting the importance of this special day.
By choosing Tognoli Florist, you’re not just giving flowers; you’re offering a meaningful gesture that celebrates your mother’s irreplaceable role in your life and expresses the endless love you have for her.
How Mother’s Day is Celebrated Around the World
While the U.S. honors Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, traditions vary beautifully across the globe. Families come together to express their love and gratitude, celebrating with gifts, cards, and floral arrangements. Carnations, as Anna Jarvis’s favorite flower, continue to symbolize purity and enduring love, reminding us all to cherish the bond with our mothers.
Let’s make this Mother’s Day a heartfelt celebration of love—a day where we honor the irreplaceable women who have shaped our lives in countless ways.
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