Celebrating Women on Mother’s Day

The history of Mother’s Day is a rich tapestry woven with threads of ancient traditions and modern customs, with roots stretching back through the ages. In the United Kingdom, the origins of Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday as it was initially known, can be traced back to the 17th century.

During this time, a tradition emerged where young people in service were granted a rare day off on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This respite allowed them the opportunity to visit their parents and their mother church. These visits were accompanied by gifts, often including Simnel cake, a light fruit cake associated with Easter. As a result, the day became known as ‘Simnel Sunday,’ and these visits were fondly referred to as ‘going a-mothering’ – thus, the term Mothering Sunday was born.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the modern version of Mother’s Day was taking shape, with President Woodrow Wilson proclaiming the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the United States in 1914. This declaration followed the lead of Anna Jarvis, who organised “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to address public health issues and promote peace during and after the Civil War. Her efforts laid the foundation for the recognition of maternal figures in American society.

The newfound holiday quickly gained popularity, with people across the country embracing the opportunity to express their love and gratitude for their mothers. Flowers, cards, and other tokens of appreciation became customary gifts, and over time, Mother’s Day has evolved into a global celebration, with many countries around the world adopting similar traditions of honouring motherhood and maternal bonds.

While the commercial aspects of the holiday have become increasingly prominent, the underlying sentiment of expressing gratitude and love for mothers remains at its core.