Why the Founder of Mother’s Day Grew to Despise the Way the Holiday Is Celebrated

Great Big Story takes a look at Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day. In the early 20th century, Jarvis campaigned hard and wide to pass legislation for a single day solely dedicated to spending time with mom. Unfortunately for Jarvis, the holiday didn’t turn out as she’d hoped, as the inevitable commercialization strangled her original intent. Jarvis died in a Pennsylvania sanitarium in 1948.

A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment.