Mothering Sunday is, for me, a day of rest (as a mother) and thanks (as a daughter). It is perhaps the one day of the year where we can demand a cup of tea in bed – or even breakfast for those possessing a constitution strong enough to A) stay in bed whilst chaos ensues downstairs and B) consume the food prepared. 

Of course it wouldn’t be the same without the obligatory flowers from Dad, the handmade cards from the kids. It is almost worth the extra time spent clearing up after the breakfast and card making mission that all dads seem to be able to turn into an extreme sport. But do we know where the tradition came from, other than perhaps long ago down-trodden mothers finally throwing their hands in the air and shouting, enough is enough for one day?

Firstly, Mothering Sunday in the UK is very different to its US compatriot. It has been celebrated since the 16th century and occurs on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Due to the movable nature of Easter means it is never on the same date, where as in America it is always the second Sunday in May.

Mothering Sunday used to be known as Refreshment Sunday, because, in honour of The Feeding of Five Thousand, the strict rules of fasting were relaxed on this day. No one is exactly sure when the name changed from this to Mothering Sunday, but we do know why. Apparently in the 16th century those worshippers from smaller communities would make a point of travelling to the nearest larger church or cathedral…their “Mother Church”.

It was also said that young girls and boys who worked for the larger families were only given one day off a year to visit families and it was often this day they chose. They would take gifts they could find from the house or garden…small bunches of flowers, or a cake.

Mother's Day in America has slightly different roots. It was inspired by the British traditions, but for very political reasons. Social activist Julia Ward Howe wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870, intending to incite all women to stand against the civil war that was raging. She was inspired by Ann Jarvis who in 1858 had started a movement to improve sanitation and working conditions for women via “Mothers Work Days”.

When Jarvis died in 1907 her daughter started the campaign for a memorial day for women…the first of which was held on May 10th, 1908, in the church where the elder Ann Jarvis had taught Sunday school. In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson declared the day a national holiday, in reverence to all mothers who had lost their sons at war.

So over the years the reason we celebrate may have changed slightly, but the sentiment is still the same, and the day itself is just special. This year I shall be taking the day to feel proud of what I have achieved as a mum, and thanking my mum profusely for what is essentially a thankless task!

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