Many people may assume that Mothering Sunday and Mother's Day are the same, but in reality, they are two distinct holidays. Although both holidays celebrate motherhood, they have different origins, dates, and traditions. In this article, we will explore the difference between Mothering Sunday and Mother's Day.
Origins of Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday has its roots in ancient Roman times when a festival was held to honor the mother goddess Cybele. In the 16th century, the Christian church adopted the festival and turned it into a day to honor the Virgin Mary. In the 17th century, Mothering Sunday became a day for people to return to their "mother church" or the church where they were baptized. It was a time for families to come together and celebrate.
Origins of Mother's Day
Mother's Day, on the other hand, has a more recent origin. It was first celebrated in the United States in 1908 by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her mother who had passed away. She campaigned for a national holiday to celebrate mothers, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother's Day a national holiday in the United States.
Date of Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which falls between March 1st and April 4th. The date varies each year, depending on when Easter falls. In the United Kingdom, Mothering Sunday is also known as "Mid-Lent Sunday" or "Refreshment Sunday" because it was a day when people were allowed to take a break from their Lenten fast.
Date of Mother's Day
Mother's Day, on the other hand, is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in the United States and in many other countries around the world. The date was chosen by Anna Jarvis because it was the anniversary of her mother's death. In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day is celebrated on the same day as Mothering Sunday, but it is not a public holiday.
Traditions of Mothering Sunday
In the past, Mothering Sunday was a day for people to return to their "mother church" or the church where they were baptized. They would often bring gifts or flowers to their mothers to show their appreciation. In some parts of the United Kingdom, there is a tradition of baking a fruitcake known as a "simnel cake" for Mothering Sunday. The cake is usually decorated with 11 marzipan balls to represent the 11 apostles, minus Judas.
Traditions of Mother's Day
Mother's Day is typically celebrated with gifts, cards, and flowers. It is a day for children to show their appreciation for their mothers and all that they do. In the United States, it is also a popular day for families to go out to brunch or dinner to celebrate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mothering Sunday and Mother's Day are both holidays that celebrate motherhood, but they have different origins, dates, and traditions. Mothering Sunday has its roots in ancient Roman times and is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Mother's Day, on the other hand, was first celebrated in the United States in 1908 and is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Regardless of which holiday you celebrate, the most important thing is to show your mother how much you love and appreciate her.