Mothering Sunday

Has its origins, not as we believe in celebrating our Mother’s, but in ‘Mother Church’.
Mothering Sunday began with a religious purpose, taking place on the fourth Sunday of Lent, its origins date back to the 17th century to the Laetare Christian festival.
This festival was a time when those who were faithful towards God would return to their ‘mother’ church for a special service.
The day became something of an annual holiday, traditionally young girls working as domestic servants were given the day off to visit their mother and families. As they walked the country lanes home so they would pick wildflowers or violets to take to church or give to their mothers.

Once the focus of religion started to diminish Mothers Day developed into the occasion that is typically commemorated in the U.S style. Following President Woodrow Wilson proclaiming ‘Mother’s Day’ an official holiday in 1914 there were moves in the U.S to abolish the day due to its commercialisation
It has now become the busiest day of the year for the number of flowers bought and cards posted.

Here in our house the children, no longer youngsters, celebrate their Mother’s place and influence on their lives, Clare and I reflect on Mother’s that physically are no longer with us and the huge impact they had on our lives.