Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday is a holiday celebrated by Catholic and Protestant Christians in some parts of Europe. It falls on the fourth Sunday in Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday. The holiday is often associated with honouring and giving thanks to mothers, although its origins are linked to people returning to their 'mother' church.

History

The origins of Mothering Sunday are believed to date back to the 16th century when people would visit their 'mother' church or the main church or cathedral in their area. This was also a time when children, who often left home to work as domestic servants, were given a day off to visit their mother church and family. This became an occasion for family reunions, and over time, it became customary for children to pick wild flowers along the way to give to their mothers, hence the tradition of giving gifts.

In the 20th century, the holiday was revived by Constance Penswick-Smith, a vicar's daughter in Nottinghamshire, England. She created the Mothering Sunday Movement and wrote a book in 1921 promoting the festival. Her efforts led to the day being recognised as a day to honour mothers.

Traditions

Traditionally, people attended church services on Mothering Sunday. In recent times, it has become more commercialised with the giving of gifts, cards and flowers, similar to the American and international Mother's Day. However, some traditional customs still remain such as the baking of a Simnel cake, a fruit cake with a layer of marzipan, which is often associated with this day.

Differences from Mother's Day

While Mothering Sunday and Mother's Day are often considered the same, they are not. Mother's Day is a holiday that was established in the early 20th century by Anna Jarvis in the United States and is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Mothering Sunday, on the other hand, has religious origins and is celebrated on a different date.

See also

• Mother's Day
• Simnel cake
• Lent
• Easter Sunday