Mothering Sunday

Origins

Today’s post considers the origins of days on which people remember their mothers, and the word ‘mother’ itself. The first mother’s day can be dated back to Greek and Roman times, when people celebrated the mothers of gods and goddesses. In the UK, Mothering Sunday was originally a religious occasion which originated in the 16^th century. People who had moved away from their place of birth were allowed to return home on the 4^th Sunday of Lent. This was to attend a service to celebrate the Virgin Mary at their ‘mother church’, the main church or cathedral in the area. As children as young as 10 sometimes moved away from home, the Sunday was also an opportunity for families to reunite. Over time, the date evolved to become Mothering Sunday, in celebration of mothers generally.

In other countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates. In America, for example, it falls on the second Sunday of May. This day started in the early 1900s when Anna Jarvis held a small celebration in memory of her mother, who died in May. Anna campaigned for there to be a day every year set aside in honour of mothers, and President Woodrow Wilson agreed. In 1914, he declared that the second Sunday of May should be the day identified “as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” (President W Wilson)

Mother

The word mother has myriad uses in language. The term mother is, to me, a very grounded word. It is something to do with home. Think of expressions such as mother tongue, mother country, Mother Earth. All of which return us to our roots. To the place, if not the person, of our birth. And other words which begin with mother, or the Latin, mater. Such as motherboard, material, matter, which can be used to describe types of building blocks. If one wishes to speak of something incredible, unbelievable, one might use the phrase “The Mother of all …” It’s a powerful word with many uses and interpretations.

Whether or not a woman has birthed a child, she may well have maternal responsibilities. Perhaps for other children in her family or friend group, or caring for relatives, or even pets.

Women, and mothers work hard. Whatever motherhood means to you, I hope you have a chance to relax and recharge today. Thank you for taking time out to read this post.