831. In the 17th Century, the British celebrated a holiday called Mothering Day that allowed mothers in all social classes to return home and visit their families. What do you think it would be like for a mother not to be able to be with her family most of the year? Why might she have to do so in the first place?
832. The first American idea of Mother's Day came in 1870 when Julia Ward Howe called for an international day of motherhood and peace. How might it have been hard to be a mother only a few years after the Civil War? Why do you think Howe connected moms and peace?
833. Howe's attempt at Mother's Day lasted just over a decade and never became the holiday she hoped it would. Imagine that you tried to start a movement and that it didn't quite work out. How would it make you feel and why?
834. In 1908, Anna Reeves Jarvis campaigned for a new Mother's Day which actually caught on. She wanted all mothers to be celebrated for their hard work, including mothers who had passed away. Do you think it's important for all mothers to be honored? Why or why not?
835. Despite Jarvis's success at creating Mother's Day, she wasn't happy with how commercialized it became with Hallmark cards and gifts. Do you think that what she created was positive for mothers even though she didn't like how it turned out? Why?
836. Restaurants are at their busiest on Mother's Day because so many children take their mothers out on the holiday. Where would you take your mom out to eat on Mother's Day? Why would you choose that place in particular?
837. Long-distance phone calls are also at their peak during the motherly holiday. How do you think the holiday would be different if you were away from home on Mother's Day? Why?
838. Over 70 countries celebrate Mother's Day around the world. How do you think the celebration might differ from place to place? Do you think your mother would enjoy the U.S. celebration or another country's celebration better? Why?
839. Even though the American Mother's Day is a unique creation, some connect the holiday to the celebration of ancient Middle Eastern goddesses over 6,000 year ago. How do you think a celebration of mothers would be different all those years ago?
840. How do you think Mother's Day will change in the next 6,000 years? Do you think mothers will still be honored? Why or why not?Use the above prompts or article as inspiration to write a story or other short piece.