The tradition of giving Mother’s Day Flowers was in full bloom by the
1920’s. Americans quickly fell in love with the idea of buying flowers
and gifts in celebrating their Moms on this special day observed for
them.
One person who didn’t buy into the concept at all was Anna Jarvis. She was the unofficial “Mother of Mother’s Day” in the United States. Credited for giving birth to the holiday just a few years earlier, Jarvis had no intention whatsoever for it to be commercialized.
In 1929, The Great Depression crippled the U.S. economy. Families from Wall Street to Main Street in towns across America suffered financially and emotionally. The mere thought of buying flowers quickly wilted overnight for 99% of the U.S. population. Even if it was just once a year for a beloved figure as Mom, the purchase of Mother’s Day Flowers was simply too much of a painful thorn in the side financially.
A few years later, once the days of The New Deal rolled out, better times for many Americans brought back new life and the celebration of holidays we cherish such as Mother’s Day. In the decades since then, the second Sunday of May has become a custom, a mainstream mandatory tribute to the women who give birth, then give everything in their hearts to their children.
Today, the Mother’s Day Flowers tradition is alive and in full bloom. Unlike Anna Jarvis, the clever florist (or florists) whose brilliant marketing idea long ago grew into what is now a multi-million dollar holiday weekend remains more or less an unknown hero for the flower industry. Perhaps there’s good reason for it.
Maybe whoever is responsible for dreaming up the market for selling Mother’s Day Flowers was simply a son or daughter using what they knew as a special gift for Mom. They never wanted credit for it. They simply wanted to use flowers as a sign for expressing their gratitude to their Mom on the day she is supposed to take credit for all she has done.
Everyone who has experienced a Mother’s Day celebration knows there is a certain magic to giving the gift of flowers on this special day. It’s a moment your Mom always loves, and one she’s probably grown to expect. And what’s more important than that? After all, this holiday is designed for making her happy and showing her she’s remembered, loved and appreciated.
One person who didn’t buy into the concept at all was Anna Jarvis. She was the unofficial “Mother of Mother’s Day” in the United States. Credited for giving birth to the holiday just a few years earlier, Jarvis had no intention whatsoever for it to be commercialized.
In 1929, The Great Depression crippled the U.S. economy. Families from Wall Street to Main Street in towns across America suffered financially and emotionally. The mere thought of buying flowers quickly wilted overnight for 99% of the U.S. population. Even if it was just once a year for a beloved figure as Mom, the purchase of Mother’s Day Flowers was simply too much of a painful thorn in the side financially.
A few years later, once the days of The New Deal rolled out, better times for many Americans brought back new life and the celebration of holidays we cherish such as Mother’s Day. In the decades since then, the second Sunday of May has become a custom, a mainstream mandatory tribute to the women who give birth, then give everything in their hearts to their children.
Today, the Mother’s Day Flowers tradition is alive and in full bloom. Unlike Anna Jarvis, the clever florist (or florists) whose brilliant marketing idea long ago grew into what is now a multi-million dollar holiday weekend remains more or less an unknown hero for the flower industry. Perhaps there’s good reason for it.
Maybe whoever is responsible for dreaming up the market for selling Mother’s Day Flowers was simply a son or daughter using what they knew as a special gift for Mom. They never wanted credit for it. They simply wanted to use flowers as a sign for expressing their gratitude to their Mom on the day she is supposed to take credit for all she has done.
Everyone who has experienced a Mother’s Day celebration knows there is a certain magic to giving the gift of flowers on this special day. It’s a moment your Mom always loves, and one she’s probably grown to expect. And what’s more important than that? After all, this holiday is designed for making her happy and showing her she’s remembered, loved and appreciated.
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