According to her obituary in the NYT (11/25/1948), Anna Jarvis, founder of Mother's Day, claimed a copyright to the holiday to keep it from being exploited. I think that's a unique approach to what is now part of Creative Commons licensing: non-commercial, no derivative works, etc.
The article also says that "she denounced confectioners, florists and other groups whom she accused of gouging the public," as her preferred flower, the carnation, had fallen victim to higher prices, presumably caused by higher demand (which she created - is that irony, or what?).
So what did she expect would happen? People are going to change and suddenly do what you want them to do. What Anna wanted was for people to spend time with their mothers. Isn't that crazy? "Spend time with mom? You mean, today? I know it's Sunday and you think we should all be with our mothers praying, but that just means that the roads are open, the beaches are clear, the golf courses are empty. So I'm sending mom a nice card and a box of candy because Mr. Hallmark and Mr. Hershey make it so easy. Look at the inscription, 'From the North to the East and from the South to the West, of all the Mothers, you are the best.' See, isn't that great! I don't have to write anything. This relieves so much guilt. And look, I spent almost $14. I'll try to stop by to see her next month."
So like millions of you, I plan to spend the day with my mother. Because I have this huge load of laundry to do, which I can just drop off while I go to the movies and she'll take care of it. Yeah, that would be a great plan. If only mom would let me know where she moved to. Since she moved away last year and didn't tell me to where, I think she feels like every day has been Mother's Day. So good for her. And I save the $2.50 I would have spent on a card.
And what are you doing here today, anyway??? Go see your mom!!!!!
