The importance of Mothering Sunday ...

 The UK is almost unique in that it celebrates Mothering Sunday in March, unlike Mothers Day across other countries when it is in May. Why is this? 

It is tied to LENT & traditionally falls on Laetare Sunday. the 4th Sunday of Lent, half way through it where Lent promises were not followed on a Sunday. The date of Mothering Sunday, like Easter,  is not set, it depends on the lunar calendar. 

Mothering Sunday has religious roots. In the Middle Ages, Mothering Sunday was a day dedicated to the Virgin Mary, also known as Mother Mary. People were required to visit their main church where family members had been baptised, a return to their roots. 

In times past, children as young as 10 were often in service - working in large houses as housemaids, kitchen maids, stable hands, servants or tending the farms & gardens. They would live away from their families for long periods of time so Mothering Sunday was a unique opportunity to return home, meet up with their family, attend church together & spend precious time away from work. 

Flowers were often picked on the way to church as a gift for their Mother, or a small homemade gift was made to be given in appreciation. The tradition of giving flowers remains to this day with fresh of potted flowers sent or given as a gift. Because it is Spring, daffodils & other early woodland blooms have become synonymous with Mothering Sunday. 

Laetare Sunday is exactly 21 days before Easter Sunday so Mothering Sunday is tied to the religious observations of Christianity, even if it has (like Christmas & Easter) become more commercialised. 

However you observe it, I hope it is a peaceful Mothering Sunday. 

Thank you for stopping by, your visits are always welcome,

Dee 🪻🌸🌺🌷💐⛪️🔔