Inevitably the return to the 'mother' church became an occasion for family reunions when children who were working away returned home. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their 'mother' church - the main church or cathedral of the area.
Most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worship at their nearest parish or 'daughter church'.Ĭenturies ago it was considered important for people to return to their home or 'mother' church once a year. Today it is a day when children give presents, flowers, and home-made cards to their mothers. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family. Although it's often called Mothers' Day it has no connection with the American festival of that name.
Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Find the date for Mothering Sunday 2014 in the multifaith calendar