Mothering Sunday is a traditional Christian holiday, held in the UK and Ireland on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The day honours and appreciates mothers and maternal figures for their love, care and contributions to our lives. The holiday has both ancient roots and more modern traditions that have shaped the way we celebrate it today. Celebrate Mother’s Day with Westways Vending, as we talk you through the history and significance of the day.
The History of Mother’s Day
Many ancient cultures had festivals to honour mother figures:
- The Ancient Greeks celebrated Rhea, the mother of the Gods, with festivals held in the spring.
- Ancient Romans had a festival called Hilaria, dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess.
- In the UK, Mothering Sunday in the Middle Ages was a religious tradition where people returned to their “mother churches” and spent time with their family.
Returning to the “Mother Church” allows people time to pray, reflect and have family reunions, especially for people that had moved away for work. The day had nothing to do with mothers originally.
By the Victorian era, the tradition of Mothering Sunday started to fade. Industrialisation changed the traditional family structure, and fewer people followed church customs. The rise of factory work and urban living made it harder for families to unite. However, by the early 20th Century, the day gained back its popularity. This time also saw the American influence, blended with British Tradition.
Whilst the UK Mothering Sunday is linked to Lent and Christian Traditions, the US created Mother’s Day in 1914.
How is Mother’s Day Celebrated in the UK?
There are several different ways to celebrate Mothering Sunday in the UK:
- Giving flowers – especially Carnations, the traditional Mother’s Day flower
- Sending gifts and cards
- Having family meals or outings
- Enjoying the perfect drinks and sweet snacks together
- Kind gestures
Simnel Cake is the traditional cake associated with Mothering Sunday.
What is Simnel Cake?
Rich with symbolism, history and evolving traditions too, it’s a light fruitcake, made with:
- Dried Fruits
- Spices
- Marzipan Layers
- Marzipan Balls
Sweet and slightly spiced, Simnel cake is similar to a Christmas cake but lighter.
In the 1600s – 1700s, young servants were allowed to visit their mothers for Mothering Sunday. They would often bring a Simnel Cake as a gift, baked with ingredients provided by their employers.
Did you Know?
The top of a Simnel Cake is traditionally decorated with 11 marzipan balls, representing Jesus’ 11 loyal disciples.
Celebrating Mother’s Day around the World
Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world. Whilst the UK and American day may look very similar, there are variances in other countries.
In France, the day is often compared to a second birthday for Mums and historically was used by Napoleon Bonaparte to encourage large families.
For Mexico, it’s one of their most celebrated holidays, perhaps even more so than Christmas. With Mariachi bands serenading mothers, and schools organising performances and song, the day is jam packed.
Meanwhile in Ethiopia, they celebrate Mother’s Day in Autumn, after the rainy season. The celebrations are held over multiple days, including singing, dancing and storytelling.
Mother’s Day is more than just a commercial holiday; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the unconditional love, sacrifices, and dedication of mothers everywhere. However you choose to celebrate, the most important thing is to make the day meaningful and filled with love.
Why not celebrate Mother’s Day this year with your favourites coffees, hot drinks and sweet treats? You can find everything you need conveniently placed within one of our machines. Would you like to know more? You can contact us, call 0800 195 3170 or email sales@westwaysvending.co.uk
as your vending supplier
