Mother’s Day is a special occasion celebrated worldwide to honour and appreciate mothers and motherhood. But have you ever wondered when Mother’s Day started in the UK and how it evolved over time?
In this blog, we will explore the history, traditions, and frequently asked questions about Mother’s Day in the UK.
Mothering Sunday: The Origin of Mother’s Day in the UK
The history of Mother’s Day in the UK can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria, which was celebrated in mid-March to honour the mother goddess Cybele.
However, the modern-day Mother’s Day in the UK is based on the Christian festival of Mothering Sunday, which was a day when people would return to their ‘mother church’ to celebrate the fourth Sunday of Lent. It was a day when domestic servants were given a day off to visit their families, including their mothers.
Over time, Mothering Sunday evolved into Mother’s Day and became a secular celebration of motherhood. The first modern-day Mother’s Day in the UK was celebrated in the early 20th century, influenced by the American version of the holiday. Since then, Mother’s Day has become an important occasion in the UK, celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
Mother’s Day Traditions
In the UK, Mother’s Day is typically celebrated with gifts, cards, and flowers. Traditional gifts include chocolates, perfume, and jewellery. Many people also prepare special meals or treats for their mothers and take them out for a meal. Flowers, especially spring flowers like daffodils, are also a popular Mother’s Day gift.
The Commercialization of Mother’s Day
Like many other holidays, Mother’s Day has become commercialized over time. Advertisements promoting Mother’s Day gifts and deals can be seen everywhere in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
However, some people argue that the commercialization of Mother’s Day takes away from its original meaning and purpose, which is to show appreciation for mothers and motherhood.
Mother’s Day in the UK Today
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent in the UK, which falls between March 22 and April 25. While it is not a public holiday, many businesses and shops offer special deals and promotions for Mother’s Day.
In recent years, more people have started to celebrate Mother’s Day with experiences rather than physical gifts, such as booking a spa day or a weekend away.
10 interesting facts about Mother’s Day in the UK
- The modern-day Mother’s Day in the UK was influenced by the American version of the holiday.
- Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates around the world. For example, in the US, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
- Mother’s Day has its roots in the Christian festival of Mothering Sunday, which was a day when people would return to their ‘mother church’ to celebrate the fourth Sunday of Lent.
- The most popular Mother’s Day gift is flowers, followed by cards and chocolates.
- The colour traditionally associated with Mother’s Day is pink.
- In the UK, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.
- Mother’s Day was officially recognized in the UK in 1914.
- The founder of Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis, later regretted creating the holiday due to its commercialization.
- The UK spends an estimated £1.4 billion on Mother’s Day gifts each year.
- In the UK, it is traditional to bake a Simnel cake for Mother’s Day, which is a fruit cake with a layer of marzipan on top and 11 marzipan balls to represent the apostles (minus Judas).
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by people about Mother’s Day in the UK.
What is the date of Mother’s Day in the UK?
Mother’s Day in the UK is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.
Why is Mother’s Day celebrated on different dates around the world?
Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates around the world because different countries have different traditions and customs. In the UK, Mother’s Day is based on the Christian festival of Mothering Sunday, while in the US, it was established as a holiday by Anna Jarvis in 1914.
What is the history of Mother’s Day in the UK?
The modern-day Mother’s Day in the UK has its roots in the Christian festival of Mothering Sunday, which was a day when people would return to their ‘mother church’ to celebrate the fourth Sunday of Lent. It became a day to honour mothers in the 17th century and was later officially recognized in the UK in 1914.
What are some popular Mother’s Day gifts?
The most popular Mother’s Day gifts in the UK are flowers, followed by cards and chocolates. Other popular gifts include jewellery, spa treatments, and personalised items.
Is Mother’s Day a public holiday in the UK?
No, Mother’s Day is not a public holiday in the UK. However, many people take the day off to spend time with their mothers or attend family gatherings.
What is the difference between Mother’s Day and Mothering Sunday?
Mothering Sunday is the original name for the day that is now known as Mother’s Day in the UK. The holiday originally had a religious significance and was a day to honour the Virgin Mary and visit one’s ‘mother church’. Over time, it became a day to honour mothers and is now celebrated in a secular manner.
Do other countries celebrate Mother’s Day?
Yes, Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, although the date and traditions may vary. Some countries have their own unique celebrations to honour mothers, such as the Japanese holiday of Haha no Hi, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
What is the significance of the Simnel cake on Mother’s Day?
The Simnel cake is a traditional Mother’s Day dessert in the UK. It is a fruit cake with a layer of marzipan on top and 11 marzipan balls to represent the apostles (minus Judas). The cake is typically served during afternoon tea or as a dessert after the main meal.