Mother's Day

It is Mother's Day in England today, also known as "Mothering Sunday". I dutiful sent of a card to my mother (amazing feat for me, as I've failed at the task for many a year -- sorry mum) and gave her a call early in the morning 12am California time, 8am GMT.

I celebrated the day through my children. Every hold, every gesture, every touch embraced with the gratitude that I have two healthy, happy children to call my own. After all, it is for them and their reliance and trust in me that I can call myself a mother. The way I see it, Mother's Day is a day to celebrate the birth of my children as much as it is to be honored for the role I play in raising them.

I got to wonder though. What is the history behind mothers day and why is it celebrated on a different time of year to the U.S.A. ? My family and friends, I have the answer for you. It turns out to be quite interesting if care to read on.

Mother's Day, also commonly referred to as "Mothering Sunday", is believed to have originated from the 16th century in England and is celebrated on the fourth day of Lent (three weeks before Easter). Traditionally it was used as a day when church goers would visit their "Mother Church" to meet with extended family, honor Jesus Christ and the Mother Mary. To some extent Christians still attend their Mother Church but for the most part Mother's Day has evolved into celebrating and giving thanks to Mothers.

Mother's Day in the U.S.A. on the other hand, considered an import from England, was originally initiated after the American Civil War with the intent to invite women to call for peace but was not formally recognized May 10, 1908 in West Virginia. Six years later, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the first Mother's Day as a day for Americans to show the flag in honor of mothers who had lost sons in combat.

For more detailed information please refer to my favorite quick reference, Wikipedia, that the above was obtained from.