History and origins of Mother's Day celebrations

The origins of Mother's Day trace back to Anna Jarvis, who established the holiday to honor her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, following her death in 1905. Ann Reeves Jarvis was known for her work improving sanitary conditions in West Virginia and promoting reconciliation after the American Civil War.

After organizing the first celebrations in 1908 using white carnations, the movement gained international interest. In 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day. Despite its success, Anna Jarvis later campaigned against the commercialization of the holiday.

In Argentina, the tradition was promoted by organizations such as the Young Christian Association before 1917. Early celebrations in the country featured family gatherings, music, and speeches, with the Salvation Army also playing a role in its local expansion.