Mother’s Day is just around the corner in the UK. It is celebrated differently from other countries and has unique origins stemming from church life.

‘It’s not Mother’s Day,’ my mum would tell me, ‘It’s Mothering Sunday’. I never quite understood the difference. One apparently was American and the other British, but that’s only half the story. In other countries, Mother’s Day is simply a day to give thanks for and to celebrate our mothers, in the UK it is a day, half way through Lent, when we remember and celebrate our Mother Church. It is also known as Refreshment Sunday or Gaudete, a time to celebrate and break the fast so that we are strengthened to continue on to Holy Week.

With the Industrial Revolution it become more common for children to leave home to work in mills and factories, as well as going into service in the Big Houses. On Mothering Sunday they would be given permission to return home to their mother churches, and of course visit their mums too. Traditions came to life, spring flowers picked from the roadside on the journey home to be presented to mum became the posies distributed to women on Sunday Morning in church.

Simnel Cakes were baked by those serving in kitchens, a gift of generosity from their ‘master’ to show how well they were being taken care of and how their skills were being nurtured. A cake rich in fruit and marzipan would be a rarity and so it was often saved until Easter. The top would be decorated with eleven golden balls of almond paste, representing the eleven faithful disciples: a reminder to keep the faith and the fast during the remainder of Lent.

Simnel Cake is still popular, as are gifts of flowers. Returning to the church you were Christened in not so much, nor so easy! My husband, my children, and myself were each Christened in different churches, miles apart from each other, and none of us live in the same parish as we were Christened in; we can still attend our local parish church, and if you want to do the same you will be very welcome. Picking wild flowers is now frowned upon, however many mums still appreciate a small gift of some sort, and that’s where I can help you keep the tradition of showing love to our mums whilst being encouraged with our Lenten observances.

The Spring Edition of Changing Seasons Retreat in a Box, heralds the change in seasons, with activities such as seeds to plant included. Four guided meditations, with accompanying reflection cards, a pretty journal and inspiring pencil, a seasonal worksheet, and prayers to close her time spent in retreat. A scented candle, a selection of drinks and a sweet treat, as well as a handcrafted gift to remind her of her special time. I can even giftwrap it for you.

Or perhaps a Heartworks Journal? A Team Mum’s bookmark? A holding cross? A rose quartz cross necklace?

Of course what mums want most of all is your company. Whether you are a toddler on the knee, or a grown adult wrapping your arms around her, take time to love and honour your mum, and if you can, perhaps accompany her back to church before you take her out for lunch.