About Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday which was once known as ‘Refreshment Sunday’ where fasting could be ‘eased’ on that particular day and families normally enjoy a delicious meal together especially for celebrating all Mothers.

Countries in the United Kingdom including England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland celebrate Mothering Sunday (widely known as Mother’s Day) on the fourth Sunday of Lent which is three weeks before Easter Sunday or in the second half of March or early April by visiting their ‘mother’ church (main church or cathedral in a family’s area). However, it is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom while its celebration is similar to other countries that celebrated Mother’s Day. It is originally a day to honor the Virgin Mary (also known as Mother Mary).

During the 16th century in New Southgate, England, the parish church known as Saint Paul’s Church which normally held their service on Laetare Sunday. This is when people living far from the area will be returning to their mother church where they were baptized. This is commonly known as “a-mothering”. In the old days, people used to fast during Lent (a period from Ash Wednesday until Good Friday) where they do not consume sweet, rich foods or meat but on Mothering Sunday, the fast was lifted slightly and you will find local community preparing traditional Simnel cake for their families.

The celebration of Mothering Sunday in either England, Ireland, Wales or Scotland starts with congregation of the locals at churches as well as having dinner together with their families especially with their mothers. Local foods are prepared by family members without troubling their mothers as Mothering Sunday is all about appreciating your mother with enjoyable meals and having a good time together.

 

Mothering Sunday Activities

 

Even though Mothering Sunday is not a public holiday in the United Kingdom, you will notice that most cafes, restaurants and hotels are always packed as they are booked early by customers. This is because many people take this opportunity to treat their mother with special meal on Mothering Sunday. Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday, is not only celebrated for honoring mothers but also includes grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers-in-law as well.

You can also send out greetings and gifts to your beloved mother on Mothering Sunday or shower her with common gifts such as cakes, flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and clothing. Besides that, schools, colleges and children’s organizations can also participate in assisting their students in preparing special handmade or do-it-yourself card or gift dedicated to the student’s mother with their own personal touch.

 

Gift on Mothering Sunday

 

Flowers never fail to be one of a common gift on Mothering Sunday. Send them as an appreciation gesture to all mother along with other gifts and greeting cards to show them your love and how you value them in your life. Stunning colourful bouquet of flowers or choose your own wild flowers that you grow in your backyard to surprise your mother on this special occasion.

Daffodils or other spring flowers are always on demand and arranged beautifully by many churches during Mothering Sunday to be given to children in order for them to present the flowers to their mothers during the congregation.