Mothering Sunday in the U.K.

  • Published
  • By Suzanne Harper
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  I often travel north to Yorkshire to visit my mother, but this weekend I shall have a special mission; it's Mothering Sunday in the UK. 

Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Since the date of Lent is not fixed, the date for Mothering Sunday changes every year. In 2008, it falls on Mar. 2. 

Although it is often called Mothers' Day, it has no connection with the American festival of the same name. Its origins go back many centuries before American Mother's Day began. 

Most Sundays in the year, those who attend the Church of England (Anglican Church) 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 10 years old.
 
Many 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. 

Traditionally, mothers would be given a simnel cake. The fourth Sunday in Lent is still known as Simnel Sunday in some areas. In Northern England and Scotland, Mothering Sunday can also be called Carling Sunday after the tradition of presenting mothers with a sort of pancake, known as a carling, made of steeped peas fried in butter with pepper and salt. 

Simnel-style cakes are now also eaten at Easter when 11 balls of marzipan are placed around the top layer to represent the 11 true disciples, but the really good cake has a layer of delicious sticky marzipan in the centre. 

Of course, times change, and today the celebration of Mothers' Day in the UK has become similar to its counterpart in the United States; children will give cards, gifts and flowers to their mothers.

Maybe any American mums stationed here in the U.K. deserve  an extra treat and could have two days this year when they're made to feel even more special!