Mother's Day, also known as Mothering Sunday in the UK, is a special day to celebrate the love and devotion of mothers and maternal figures.
The roots of this tradition can be traced back to ancient civilizations that honoured motherhood and fertility. In the UK, Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, while in the United States, Canada, Australia and some other countries Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Although the two holidays share a similar purpose, they have different origins and traditions.
In the UK, the history of Mothering Sunday dates back to the 16th century. In those times it was a Christian holiday that honoured the "Mother Church" and the Virgin Mary. On that day, people would return to their "mother" church, which was usually the main church in their hometown or the church where they were baptized. This was often the only day that people who worked as domestic servants could have off to visit their families.
Over time, Mothering Sunday became a day to honour mothers and maternal figures as well. Children would traditionally give their mothers flowers or small gifts, and families would gather for a special meal. Today, Mothering Sunday is still celebrated with church services and family gatherings, though it is not as widely observed as it once was.
The term "Mother's Day" started to be used more commonly in the UK in the 1950s and 1960s, as American culture became more widespread and American-style Mother's Day celebrations gained popularity.
In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May and has a more secular origin. The holiday was established in the early 20th century by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honour her own mother and all mothers around the world. It quickly became a popular holiday, with children giving their mothers gifts and flowers to show their love and appreciation.
Today, "Mothering Sunday" and "Mother's Day" are often used interchangeably in the UK, although some people still prefer to use the traditional term "Mothering Sunday" to distinguish it from the American holiday. Ultimately, both terms refer to the same celebration of motherhood and maternal figures, and the sentiment behind both holidays is the same: to honour and appreciate the women who have given us life and love.
Whether you celebrate Mother's Day, Mothering Sunday, or both, take the time to show your appreciation for the moms in your life.