Monday 23 March 2009

Blue Monday - Mothering Sunday



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Yesterday, in the UK, it was Mothering Sunday which now has become very commerical and is know to the general public as 'Mother's Day; however, that was not it's true beginnings.

History of Mothering Sunday

Most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worship at their nearest parish or 'daughter church'.
Centuries ago it was considered important for people to return to their home or 'mother' church once a year. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their 'mother' church - the main church or Cathedral of the area.
Inevitably the return to the 'mother' church became an occasion for family reunions when children who were working away returned home. (It was quite common in those days for children to leave home for work once they were ten years old.)
And most historians think that it was the return to the 'Mother' church which led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants, or as apprentices, being given the day off to visit their mother and family.
As they walked along the country lanes, children would pick wild flowers or violets to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift.


some of my flowers/plants which I received on Mothering Sunday at church.

12 comments:

Janet said...

I always wondered what the difference was between Mothering Sunday and Mother's Day. Thank you for enlightening me! Have a good week!

SmilingSally said...

Ten years old and working. Oh, I'm glad that times have changed. The flowers are so bright and cheerful in those lovely blue and white containers. Thanks for sharing. Happy Blue Monday.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

what a neat tradition, lovely flowers. Cindy

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

'Morning Judith,
What a lovely tradition. Happy Monday and enjoy your week.

Blessings,
Sandi

bj said...

Pretty containers for pretty flowers.
Happy Blue Monday

Anonymous said...

Judith, every time I come to your blog I am blessed with new knowledge and understanding. Thank you so much for telling me about "Mothering Sunday" as I have never heard of it before, but boy do I know about it now! Thanks my friend and "Happy Mothering Sunday" to you (sorry it is a little late) LOL!

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

great post! Happy Blue Monday ~ Susan

Deb said...

I had never heard of that before, thank you for stopping by to visit, come back anytime!

Cherdecor said...

I was glad to learn of Mothering Sunday. What a beautiful tradition.
Happy Blue Monday.
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful post. I never knew that. It was interesting and I just love your flowers. Happy Blue Monday!

mike said...

I just had the most lovely time at your blog! I love the quote in the upper right corner about having God in all of our moments! You also have some fantastic photos! Happy Blue Monday....although I suppose it will be Happy Tuesday by the time you get this :-)
~katrina

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Beautiful post...Happy Blue Monday...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria