"Mothering Sunday" dates back to the 16th century is a considered a precursor to the modern Mother's Day. It was observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent in Europe when people returned to their  "mother church" and it evolved to include secular observances  honoring mothers.  This custom declined in popularity in the 1930's.     

President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother's Day a national holiday in 1914, but senators on both sides of the aisle were not overly impressed by the idea at first. New Hampshire Senator Jacob Gallinger, a Republican, found the idea of limiting the celebration of his mother to just one day insulting. Senator Henry Moore Teller of Colorado, a Democrat, felt even more strongly, saying it was "absolutely absurd," "puerile," and "trifling."