Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday is celebrated in UK in the same way as Mother's Day is celebrated in the other countries of the world. It falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent and is celebrated in honor of Mother Mary and, now, all mothers. On Mothering Sunday, children give flowers, cards and other types of gifts to their mothers to express their love, appreciation and gratitude towards them. The date as well as the history behind the celebration of Mother's Day in Britain is different from that of other countries.

Date of Mothering Sunday
The date of Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day in Britain or England changes from year to year. This is because Mothering Sunday is on the fourth Sunday of Lent period (the fasting period), which varies which year. In the year 2007, Mothering Sunday is falling on the 18th of March. It is also known by the name of Mid-Lent Sunday, as it falls in-between Shrove Tuesday and Good Friday.

History of Mothering Sunday
The origin of Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day in Britain dates back to centuries. It is believed that the early Christians who had settled in England started celebrating the fourth Sunday of Lent as Mother's Day, in honor of the Virgin Mary. Another belief is that a long time back (probably 1600s), England people used to visit their nearest parish, known as the "Mother Church", every Sunday.

In those times, children above ten years of age used to leave their homes to work as apprentices or domestic servants. It was considered important that these children be allowed to visit their home and church at least once a year. So, they were given an off in the middle of Lent period to visit their "Mother Church" or the church in their hometown. Slowly, this holiday became a family union of sorts and it was extended to include al mothers, along with the Mother Church, and was named Mothering Sunday.

Mothering Sunday or Refreshment Sunday
In the earlier times, Mothering Sunday was also known by the name of Refreshment Sunday. This was because, on Mothering Sunday, the fasting rules were relaxed for the people. It is very common in UK to prepare Simnel Cake on Mothering Sunday.