Today is Mothering Sunday in England.
The fourth Sunday of Lent, Mother’s Day, in the 16th century in England, people went back to their “mother” church, the church where they were baptised or where they were raised.
Families may have been dispersed, working away and return to their parents, where they grew up. Gifts of wildflowers and Simnel cake would have been brought.
In the Middle Ages, this Sunday was Laetare Sunday, the midpoint of Lent and a celebration in the austere time of Lent. Refreshment Sunday referred to its sense of respite halfway through this season of fasting and penitence. It has also been associated with the miracle of the loaves and the fishes.
As Easter Sunday moves dates annually as it is tied to the March Equinox, Mothering Sunday moves too.
As a Christian Festival it would not be celebrated by others but with its increasing commercialisation and its now ubiquitous presence in most shops it cannot be ignored and is probably celebrated by many who are thanking their mothers not the mother church.
However, before Mothering Sunday, people would celebrate the start of spring. Easter Day is calculated by the Spring Equinox.
The American Mother’s Day was founded back in 1908 by Anna Jarvis in West Virginia. She campaigned for the special day to celebrate mothers following the death of her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had long wanted the work of mothers to be recognised. This day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
Other countries may celebrate Mother’s Day on International Women’s Day. Other countries celebrate a Mother’s Day on other days such as the birthdays of strong female figures that have shaped their country.
It is an important role to be a mother or a mother-figure. Everyone should have that person that they can depend on to help and guide them unconditionally.Mothers provide unconditional love, nurture, emotional support, and security until the child is independent. They are usually the primary caregiver.
What to do if you find Mothering Sunday hard?
Firstly, observe that you are not alone and avoid all the hype!
Do something that you enjoy, and you will find rewarding. Plan a distraction or volunteer.
If you feel pressured, set boundaries and go offline.
Get outside, look at the flowers and revel in the start of spring!