Mother's Day has a beautiful celebration. Being one of the most celebrated dates in Brazil, it brings a great meaning and tribute to one of the most important and necessary figures in the life of the human being. But, do you know the origin of this date itself? Let's see!
THE ORIGIN
The celebration began to expand in 1914 in the United States, but its celebration originated in Greece and Ancient Rome.
Over time, the date took its place in several places and it can be celebrated in various parts of the world.
- Ann Jarvis
In the form of a commemorative date, Mother's Day appeared in the 20th century, Created by Anna Jarvis, whose goal would be to honor her mother Ann Jarvis. Ann was known for doing social work with other mothers in the period of the American Civil War.
Ann Jarvis dedicated her life to social activism. She began with actions that promoted the improvement of the sanitary conditions of her locality. As a provider, Mother's Day Work Clubs was created, an institution aimed at continuing with the improvements in sanitary conditions in West Virginia.
After the end of the American Civil War, Ann created a club so that the actions would be peaceful among the families of the different soldiers. This club had the participation of other mothers, and Mother's Friendship Day was created, a day to celebrate peace.
- Mother’s Day
Mother's Day was created in honor of the life of Ann Jarvis. Her death, on May 9, 1905, brought great mourning to her daughter, Anna Jarvis. A few years later, Anna decided to create a commemorative date to honor her mother. Anna Jarvis' decision to create this date caused a memorial in honor of her mother to be created in May 1908 — this being the first Mother's Day.
Anna Jarvis dedicated herself to make the date permanent as a commemorative date in the United States. After a whole process, in 1910, the state that her mother acted as an activist, West Virginia, made Mother's Day official. Two years later, the second Sunday of May was established as the date of the celebration by the U.S. Congress. The date was created as a way to honor all mothers.
- Mother’s Day in Brazil
The popularization of this date arrived in Brazil. Historians say that the first celebration took place on May 12, 1918, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. This first celebration was promoted by the Christian Association of the Young Men of Rio Grande do Sul.
President Getúlio Vargas made the date official in the 1930s, on May 5, 1932. Through his decree, the second Sunday of May was determined as a moment to celebrate the "feelings and virtues" of a mother's love.
Intercultural News wishes everyone a happy Mother's Day!
RESEARCH SOURCES:
- https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/amp/datas-comemorativas/dia-das-maes.htm
- https://www.todamateria.com.br/historia-do-dia-das-maes/
Repórter: Sarah Sena
Redigido por: Nathália Messias
