Mother's Day

My mother June, in 1956

The history of Mother's Day can be traced back almost as long as there has been moms. Festivals honouring mothers were often linked to ancient times with goddesses and the cycles of birth and regrowth.

During the Middle Ages, people would return home or to their "mother" church once a year, usually during Lent. In the 16th century in England, this tradition became "Mothering Sunday" and sons and daughters would be given the fourth Sunday of Lent to return home. The fasting rules for Lent were relaxed on that day with a Simnel cake or fruitcake being eaten. The cake was decorated with 11 marzipan balls to represent the 12 disciples, minus Judas who was not included because of his betrayal of Christ. 

Here in England, Mother's Day is in March rather than May which more or less still follows the 16th century date. Mother's Day became official in1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed into law a bill declaring the second Sunday in May as "Mother's Day", dedicated "to the best mother in the world, your mother".

And there you have it; a short history of Mother's Day!