Why Mother's Day used to be about churches, not mums

"The original 'mother' Mother's Day, as we know it, began as Mothering Sunday, a religious tradition in which people returned to their 'mother church' - the church where they were baptised. Each year, Mothering Sunday falls on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent and in 2026, that lands on 15th March."

"But things changed during the Industrial Revolution. As people moved to towns and cities for work, Mothering Sunday became one of the few chances to head home again. Servants working in households were often given the day off - or at least enough of it to sneak away - to visit their family and their mother church."

"Mothering Sunday also came with another perk: a partial break from Lent's strict diet. A traditional Mothering Sunday meal might include: Simnel cake, Fig pudding, Chine of pork, and Gurmets. In Bury, the day even picked up the nickname Simnel (or Simblin) Sunday, thanks to the popularity of the cake."

Mother's Day has religious origins as Mothering Sunday, celebrated on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. Originally, people visited their 'mother church' where they were baptised. During the Industrial Revolution, this tradition transformed into an opportunity for workers who had moved to cities to return home and visit their families. Servants were often given time off to participate. The day included a partial break from Lent's dietary restrictions, with traditional meals featuring Simnel cake, fig pudding, and pork. Over time, the religious significance diminished, and the celebration became commercialized with cards, flowers, and chocolates. The American version, organized by Anna Jarvis in 1913, further shaped the modern holiday.

Read at ianVisits