Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day, a day to celebrate?
MOTHERING Sunday
Day, a day to celebrate?
Mothering Sunday can be traced back to the 16th Century. Originally, it was seen as a time when people would return to their ‘Mother Church’ for a special service in their home vicinity where they were baptised.
Over the years, it became a day when domestic workers, mainly daughters, were given the day off to visit their Mother Church and homes on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Often, this was the only time when whole families were reunited. Inevitably, it became a time for celebration.
Eventually, the tradition faded in popularity and merged with the or
Mother’s
American Mother’s Day. Unlike in the UK, this day was created to honour and celebrate Motherhood. It began when Anna Jarvis held a small memorial service to commemorate her mother on 12 May 1907. The idea of celebrating motherhood spread rapidly. By 1914, most states in America were observing the day and it was made a national holiday held on the second Sunday of May each year.
Subsequently, commercialism followed, causing Anna to become so disillusioned that she even tried to have Mother’s Day quashed. Ironically, she died in a sanatorium, her medical bills paid by people in the floral and greeting card industries. Today, UK spending on gifts and cards will amount to over £1.34 billion compared to a staggering $24.95 billion in the US.
Although Mother’s Day is seen as a day when we come together and celebrate, it’s also a day that magnifies loss for many people.
This year, let’s spare a thought for those who mourn the loss of their mothers or children, through miscarriage, still-birth, illness or accident, and those who are unable to have their own families.
Some people will recall the pain and hurt of past experiences including abuse, neglect and violence. Sadly, there will be the Mums who are disappointed by the lack of acknowledgement of the day from their families.
As I reflect, it occurs to me that whilst the word ‘Mother’ is a noun, it can also be a verb, something we can all do, as in ‘to mother’ or ‘to be mothered.’
I don’t believe this is restricted by gender, age or culture.
It is something which represents the best of human qualities, depending on empathy, thoughtfulness, love and care. Such virtues cost nothing and yet can mean everything to the receiver. Today, as we decide how we will celebrate (or not) Mothering Sunday, its origins continue to be deeply planted in the coming together of family and community in God.