Mothering Sunday – 19th March 2023
This year Mothering Sunday is on 19th March 2023. Mother’s Day always falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent – or three weeks before Easter Sunday.
The origin of Mothering Sunday is from the church. Most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worship at their nearest parish or ‘daughter’ church. Centuries ago it was felt important that people returned to their ‘mother’ church, ie. main church or cathedral, once a year. This became a family reunion, when children who were working away returned home. Historians believe that this return to the ‘mother’ church led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants or apprentices, were given the day off to visit their mother and family.
As the children walked along the country lanes, they would pick wild flowers to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift.
Today it is a day when children give presents, flowers, and home-made cards to their mothers.
Mothering Sunday was also known as Refreshment Sunday because the fasting rules for Lent were relaxed that day. The Simnel cake is particularly associated with Mothering Sunday.
However you are celebrating Mothering Sunday, we hope you have a lovely family day!
