Mother's Day History

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Mother's Day. Some experts state that it originated from the tradition some four hundred years ago where worshippers at English churches would visit the nearest Cathedral or "Mother Church" on the middle Sunday in Lent, instead of their Local Church. This tradition was known as Mothering.

At this time, many children of poorer families would live away from their mothers "in service" with a wealthy employer. Mothering Sunday was the one day of the year when these children were allowed to visit their homes and families. The children wanted to take gifts home to mum so would either have their employer's permission to bake a cake or they would pick wild flowers on the walk home.

Mother's Day around the World

Mother's Day in the UK is on the middle sunday of Lent (Lent runs from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday), so falls on a different date each year. This year it's Sunday March 2nd 2008

In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. This year it will be on Sunday, May 11th 2008. Other countries that share this date include: Japan, Turkey, Denmark, Australia, Italy, Canada, Belgium and Finland.

Another group of countries celebrate Mother's Day on May 10th, these include: Mexico, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. In France and Sweden it's the last Sunday in May, and in Argentina it's the Second Sunday in October.

A Mother's Story

Three hundred and sixty four days of the year Mum works away making the meals, cleaning the house and the clothes, doing the homework, driving everyone around, having freinds around and all the other things she does. Then for just one special day it's time to show how much we appreciate all that she does and perhaps give her some flowers or another nice gift.

Mother's Day Things to remember

It's not just children who need to remember Mother's Day. Sons and daughters of any age should take the time to thank Mum for the great start she gave them.

Husbands don't forget either; what an opportunity to shower your wife with gifts to thanks her for bring your children into this world and giving them such a good start in life.