The History of Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday originated in Britain many moons ago, however it’s often mistaken as Mothers Day, of which it has nothing to do with, and is an entirely different occasion.

Mothering Sunday’s foundation can be traced all the way back to the 16th century Church, where Mothering Sunday was a celebration of Laetare Sunday in the Christian liturgical calendar. Back in the day, folk used to return to their ‘Mother Church’ (which was often a cathedral on the forth Sunday of lent, the act of doing so was coined as ‘a mothering’, and hence the title Mothering Sunday. As in “he/she/they/we went a mothering last Sunday”!

Mothers day, on the contrary is in fact a very modern celebration used to honor the mother of the family. Typical traditions include gifts and cards from child to mother and general reflection and appreciation shown. It’s similar to father’s day, and the even newer grandparent’s day in that it is a day of application for a certain role within the household.

Back in the day, children that worked in service (e.g. maids or servants) were granted one day per year in which they could visit their family, and coincidently this used to b Mothering Sunday. As it was such a rarity, the children would often bring their mother a gift, such as a posy or a cake.  This often said to have been where present giving originated from for this particular holiday.

Different counties celebrate Mothers Day on different days, because each the day is said to have had a number of different origins. There is a belief that claims the day transpired from an ancient Greek custom of celebrating Cybele, who was a great mother of Greek Gods. A festival was held in Rome between March 15th and March  18th. Ancient Romans also celebrated Juno, who was an Ancient Roman Goddess and the protector and special counselor of the state, almost similar to a mother’s role, wouldn’t you agree? During this time, Mothers all around Rome were bestowed with gifts.

If mother’s day isn’t enough, or perhaps you’re yet to have children, there’s also International Women’s Day, celebrated all over the globe, commonly on 8th March.