Sunday, March 14, 2010

Mothering Sunday



Maternal Affection
by Edward Hodges Baily
1837
Victoria and Albert Museum



In the UK, it's Mothering Sunday today, which is always observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The early origin of the day is not clear, but it is thought that hundreds of years ago, Christians would return to their "mother" church, the nearest cathedral, once a year. They were often said to have gone "a mothering." It seems that this is the day when children who had been sent off to work as servants were allowed one day off a year to go and visit their mothers, having a bit of a family reunion as they all returned to their mother church. Since that time it has been a celebration of motherhood.


Bouquets to all the mothers in England or wherever you find yourself today, because you are to be highly honored.

4 comments:

  1. I never knew why Mothering Sunday was celebrated today-That is so interesting.

    I hope that you have a beautiful day today.

    Best wishes always,
    Natasha.

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  2. Don't you mean "honoured"?

    Your loving son,
    Ryan

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  3. Thank you for visiting my blog and following it.
    I love London and have been there...Looking forward to read more of your post and getting to know you.
    Frenchy

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  4. I know it must have been a reality but "children sent off to work as servants" returning to their mothers for a DAY. Och. It carries a bit of the sad about it. Thanks for the insight into a UK holiday. Better than our reason for Mother's Day..."because Hallmark made it".

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