Although over here in the UK, we have developed the habit of calling it Mother’s Day, it was originally called Mothering Sunday and while it still is, it's just become more well-known as Mother's Day.
However, it seems that it's gone through various other names over the years. There was a time when Mothering Sunday was referred to as 'Mid-Lent Sunday’; this might be due to it always falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent. In other countries, ‘Mother’s Day’ is celebrated in May, which most likely explains why it has a different name, as it has no connection to Lent.
Another name it was given was 'Refreshment Sunday’, as well as ‘Simnel Sunday’, because of the tradition of baking Simnel cakes.
It is not certain exactly how the idea of Mothering Sunday began. However, it’s said its roots go back as far as ancient Greece, where Greeks had an annual spring festival dedicated to the maternal Goddess; Rhea, mother of the Gods.
It is known that on Mothering Sunday, about four hundred years ago, people made a point of visiting their nearest big church (the Mother Church). Supposedly, this led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants, or as apprentices, being given the day off to visit their mother and family.
As they walked along the country lanes, children would pick wild flowers or violets to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift, which might explain why flowers are a common gift given to mothers on Mothering Sunday.
So whether you call it Mother’s Day or Mothering Sunday, just make sure Mum has a nice day.
If you need help planning a day out or gift ideas, read our blog about what you can do for your Mum here.
