History of Mothers Day
The terms Mothers Day and Mothering Sunday are often thought to be the same, but interestingly enough, they are entirely different, and have no connection whatsoever!
Mothering Sunday goes way way back to the 16th Century, and it concerns the Church. The term was coined because on the forth Sunday of Lent church goers used to trek to their ‘Mother Church’ (which was usually a cathedral, and people to do this, were said to have gone ‘a mothering’.
Many moons ago when children in service still existed and we said ‘nay’ instead of ‘no’, the aforementioned children were allowed one day per annum on which they could return to their original abode and spend time with their family, this would usually, low and behold, take place on Mothering Sunday. Children would shower their mothers in gifts of flowers and perhaps a cake to show their gratitude, and because it was such a rarity getting to see one another. This was the initial step on the ladder of Mothers Day present giving, and it has escalated ever since.
Mothers Day is a recent concoction, created to celebrate the role of a Mother in each family. Usually children give gifts and cards to their Mother on this day, in order to demonstrate their appreciation for her. Similarly, Father’s Day and the recent edition of Grandparents days are days in which a certain family role is commended.
Mother’s Day is celebrated on different days all across the globe, because like many holidays, its origin is claimed by a number of different places and people. For example, some people believe that the Greek custom of celebrating Cybele (the great Mother of Greek Gods) was the origin. Between March 15th and 18th a festival was held in Rome to commemorate this. Juno was also celebrated by Ancient Romans. She was the Ancient Roman Goddess and the protector and special counselor of the state, common to perhaps, say your Mother? Anyway, one of the festivities involved was the giving of gifts to Mothers all around Rome.
And there you have it, a brief history on Mothering Sunday, and its whereabouts! Make sure you have a fabulous day to remember, and be extra nice to your Mum!