Mothering Sunday
Somewhere beneath the cards, chocolates and bouquets of flowers lies an historical and Christian tradition that goes back centuries. The history of Mothering Sunday.... Most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worship at their nearest parish or ‘daughter church’. Centuries ago it was considered important for people to return to their home or ‘mother’ church once a year. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their ‘mother’ church - the main church or cathedral of the area. Inevitably the return to the ‘mother’ church became an occasion for family reunions when children who were working away returned home. It was quite common in those days for children to leave home for work once they were ten years old. Most historians think that it was the return to the ‘Mother’ church which led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants, or as apprentices, being given the day off to visit their mother and family. As they walked along the country lanes, children would pick wild flowers or violets to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift. Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent, and although it’s often called Mothers’ Day it has no connection with the American festival of that name As with most old traditions, Mothering Sunday has been adapted over the years and today it is celebrated by families in mainly a non religious way, but rather a celebration of love and family.
Children give gifts, flowers and cards (often homemade) to their mums, they often make mum a cup of tea in bed, or really push the boat out and make breakfast in bed (whilst hopefully leaving the kitchen clean and tidy too!). The tradition doesn’t stop with adulthood though, these days you will find hundreds of thousands of grown up children treating their mothers (and families) to not only flowers and gifts but often a meal together... be that a homemade feast, a lovely lunch at a cafe or a delicious dinner at a pub or restaurant. The best thing about a modern Mother’s Day is reminding mum just how much she is loved... So enjoy the day and be sure to show your love!
March / April 2016
Mothering Sunday - 41 41