Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1927-05-05
Remember Mother,
Motto of the Day
Busy Indeed Must Be Son
or Daughter Who
Forgets, 1t.


L Mothers day idea is attributed to
Miss Anna Jarvis Of Virginia, later
president Of the Mothers Day Inter-
national association. Miss Jarvis was
asked by the superintendent Of the
Sunday school in which her mother
had been leading spirit to arrange
q special program in her memory. 1t
occurred to Miss Jarvis that it would
sbe an excellent idea to give all of the
sons and daughters of the nation an
opportunity of paying tribute to
their own mothers, living mothers as
well as those who have died. Thus,
Mothers day became a national an
nual holiday and the second Sunday
in May was set aside for it's observ-
iance. In May, 1914, resolution was
passed by congress and Endorsed by
President Woodrow Wilson, ,designat-
ing Mothers day as national insti-
tuition.
"Observe Mothers day In spirit and
not in mere ostentation," Miss Jarvis
suggests. do some little service
that will mark you as a dutiful and
thoughtful son or daughter. There is
only one thing that is important on
this day Of days. that is to remem-
Der mother.
Mothers day is not a celebration
of maudlin sentiment, but .construc-
tive movement seeking greater pro-
lection for mothers, children, and the
home. It gives emphasis to the home
as the fountain head Of the nation and
good homes our great national bless
ing. It has been the forerunner Of
mothers pensions, the maternity act
and many other things, which in the
community and the nation are bless
ing lives that need care and protec-
ton"
Spread of Celebration.
Since it's inception, the celebration
has spread beyond the expectations
of its founder. At first the observ-
ance consisted merely in wearing
flowers, white carnations for mothers
who have died andsred carnations for
living mothers. Now the flower Is
not necessarily limited to the carna-
ton. AS rule the favorite flower of
ones mother is worn.
Nor is the observance of Mothers
day confined to wearing of flowers.
Much more Important is the sending
Of some remembrance to ones mother
and whenever possible, spending the
day with ones mother. Sons and
daughters have often travelled many
miles in order to be with their moth
ers on this day.
In many instances those whose
mothers have died, send flowers or
other remembrances to friendless
mothers in hospitals and institutions
Though the formal designation Of a
specific day as Mothers day was but
recently made in this country, the
custom of displaying filial veneration
dates back to ancient times. 1t ante
dates the Christian era, had its rites
and ceremonies in pagan days, and
strikes deep into primitive emotions.
The particular ceremonies attendant
upon the honoring of motherhood have
changed with changing times and the
modern Mothers day is observed in a
manner which differs to a consider
able extent from the ritual Of olden
days.
Idea Of Ancient Origin.
Authorities state that the earliest
record Of formal mother-worship lies
In the tales of the ceremonies by
which Rhea. "the great mother of the
gods" was worshiped in Asia Minor.
In this worship it was not so much the
tender maternal aspect which claimed
attention as the power and majesty of
motherhood. Rhea was represented
as traversing the mountains in a
chariot drawn by lions and the cere-
monies in honor were marked by wild
dances and wilder music. The lion,
the oak. and the pine were sacred to
her.
The worship Of Rhea was intro
duced into Rome through Greece
about $50 years before Christ. There