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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.
In 1994 we were able too visit Holland and the Dutch Bulb fields. It is an experience I would love to repeat again, especially now that I have a digital camera!! lol
