ALL THE WORLD CELEBRATES IT

 Mother's Day an Anniversary 

That Has a Universal Appeal- Observe It by Wearing a Fragrant White Carnation 

THE story of the origin of Mother's day has been often told. The idea for it developed in the mind of a loyal daughter who thought mothers did not receive all the homage and honor to which they were entitled. A few years ago some evangelists were holding special meetings in Philadelphia where she lived. These encouraged her to start a movement to interest people in establishing a Mother's day to be observed annually. This lady, Miss Anna Jarvis, selected the second Sunday in May. She put into concrete form her ideas in regard to its celebration as follows :

"The special object," she said- "is to honor and uplift motherhood and to give comfort and happiness to the best mother who ever lived- your mother." 

A society was organized, and Jarvis evolved a plan for the observance of Mother's day. Said she: "Cele- brate it through loving remembrance of your mother (or memory), through some distinct act of kindness: visit, or letter.

"Live this day as your mother would you." 

"If you can have, her as your guest honor."

 "Or go back home and give her pleasure."

"Or write her a letter of praise and gratitude. Send a gift with it, or at least the "memory flower" (the white carnation). No one is too poor or too busy to send a letter home."

"Do something to show your mother that "she is queen of the May" in your heart."

"If she is not living, perharps, you can place on her grave the white flower of love and fidelity, not as a morbid sentiment, but in glad recognition that your heart that she was the best mother who ever lived." 

"The floral badge which is to be worn on Mother's day is the white carnation, or your mother's favorite flower." 

"On Mother's day wear a white flower, or give one to some one else to wear. Remember the sick or unfortunate hospitals, homes, or prisons, or one else with whom a little joy goes long way." 

"The memory flower affords many opportunities for a message of sympathy and brotherhood or courtesy to friend and business associate."

Interest in the celebration of Mother's day spread like wildfire. Clergy men, the mayors of cities, governors of states and dignitaries in every office and rank were enthusiastic about it. Proclamations were issued by governors, asking for the observance of Mother's day in their states. Even the United States congress has recognized it and asked that president and government officials to pay their tribute of honor to mothers by wearing the white carnation on the name day. 

Surely there is no class in the community to whom the idea can fail to appeal. Respect and love for mother are a common meeting ground for per sons of all races, conditions or creeds. 

In England there was once celebrated a day known as Mothering Sunday .This is known on the calendar of Episcopal church as Mothering Sunday, and is the fourth Sunday of Lent . Then every son and daughter was expected to visit his or her parents. The mother was to be especially honored. It was the custom to bestow upon her a gift.  A daughter would present her mother with a dainty known as a simnel cake. This was a wonderful creation, consisting of a hard saffron tinted crust of flour and water, inclosing a rich plum cake. 

From far and wide the sons and daughters of a family would gather for this reunion on Mothering Sunday; the sons bringing gifts, and the daughters bringing their simnel cakes, and on that day neither schoolmaster, foreman, nor employer of any rank had power to restrain those underneath him from re turning to the old homestead. 

This charming and gracious custom is revived in a more liberal form for our twentieth century needs. This year the observance of Mother's day is to be general throughout the land, for nearly every state governor has requested or declared that the second Sunday in May shall be set apart and celebrated in tribute to the mothers of the nation. Perhaps no other movement has ever won its way into the hearts of the American people in such a short time. It is reasonable to believe that even Miss Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, the founder and president of the Mother's Day International association, feels that her expectations have been bettered by the ready response of those in other countries to look upon. Mother's day as a compliment to mother Originating in America the idea has traveled and taken root in Korea, China, Japan, the Fiji islands, Barbados, Australia, Africa, Madagascar and Palestine. 

The white carnation chosen to symbolize this special Sunday is generally considered the most appropriate flower. The sweet, spicy, sturdy flower is noted for its endurance as truly as for its sweetness, and such may be said of mother's love. Probably it is the novelty of honoring our maternal parents with a Mother's day that has given the plan its thrilling growth in the United States. 

References:

1. INTERNATIONAL CONFECTIONER 1914 

2.THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON ALMANACK FOR 1869