Where does Mothers Day come from?

In today's consumer culture, we have come to know Mothers Day as a day to buy chocolate, cards, flowers, spa gift certificates, etc., for our loving mothers.

Mothers Day is a very important day, and I think it has lost meaning over the years...

"Mother's Day was originally suggested by poet and social activist Julia Ward Howe. In 1870, after witnessing the carnage of the American Civil War and the start of the Franco-Prussian War, she wrote the original Mother's Day Proclamation calling upon the women of the world to unite for peace. This "Mother's Day Proclamation" would plant the seed for what would eventually become a national holiday." (Mothersdayforpeace.com)

Check out this video for a modern version of the Proclamation, which features Felicity Huffman, Vanessa Williams, Christine Lahti, Fatma Saleh, Ashraf Salimian, Gloria Steinem, and Alfre Woodard.

"It is important for each of us to take the time to celebrate and thank our mothers for all that they do." (Mothersdayforpeace.com)

We can add that "meaning" back into Mothers Day by honouring and loving our mothers, promoting peace, and healing the victims of war and injustice.

At http://mothersdayforpeace.com/, you can send an e-cards to your mother, with a donation in her name going to No More Victims, whose aim is to help heal victims of the Iraq War.

FYI: Julia Ward Howe was a poet, writer and activist who fought vigilantly for peace, the abolition of slavery, and women's rights.