The Historical and Political Influence of Women Celebrated on Mother’s Day

Wed, 06 May 2026 02:39:00 +0200

Mother’s Day in the United States is often associated with gift-buying and dining out, generating roughly $34 billion in consumer spending. However, the origins of the holiday emphasize far more than consumerism. Anna Jarvis founded Mother’s Day in 1908 to honor her mother, Ann Jarvis, a Civil War-era activist who organized Mothers’ Day Work Clubs in West Virginia. These clubs promoted community education, offered aid to families, and pivoted to peace and reconciliation during the Civil War, assisting soldiers from both sides. The political and social role of mothers extends back thousands of years. In classical antiquity, women were recognized not only for raising children but also for their influence in protecting and sustaining communities. Ancient texts, like Aristophanes’ play 'Lysistrata,' depict women advocating for peace, highlighting their disproportionate suffering during wars. Goddesses such as Hera in Greece and Juno in Rome exemplified the dual role of mothers as protector