From ancient goddesses to modern peace activists − Mother’s Day celebrates women’s political power

Mothers are often honored and gifted flowers on Mother's Day, but their broader influence in the political sphere is not celebrated enough. www.direct2florist.co.uk/ via Flickr, CC BY

On Mother’s Day, Americans go all out with gift-buying and dining out to honor the women in their lives. In fact, according to some estimates, consumer spending in the United States on this day is around US$34 billion.

This consumerist emphasis has long been criticized – including by the holiday’s founder, Anna Jarvis. She started the celebration in 1908 to honor her own mother, Civil War-era activist Ann Jarvis, who founded Mothers’ Day Work Clubs in her native West Virginia.