Tuesday 2 March 2010

Origins of Mother's Day



Mother's Day is celebrated worldwide although in the UK the correct term is "Mothering Sunday", and it always falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent. Because the dates of Easter and Lent vary the date of Mothering Sunday varies too - this year it's on 14th March.

Mothering Sunday has been recognised since the 17th Century. In those days it was common for children to move away from home at an early age to work as young as ten years old. They would live in their employers' houses and saw little of their families.

They would worship in their nearest church known as their "Daughter" church. However it was considered very important that they should return to their home church or "Mother " church to worship at least once a year. Employers would give their servants time off to worship at their Mother church and spend time with their families. It became known as Mothering Sunday.

As this may be the only holiday they got all year they would take gifts to the family such as cake and posies of flowers. It's customary now to show your mum that you love her with a gift, but all mum really wants is to be with her family on Mothers Day.

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