Sunday 22 March 2009

Mothering Sunday


This was sent to me inside a book, in 2005.
Cub tiger and mother
Photo: Terry Whittaker.

Today in the UK we are celebrating Mothering Sunday, rapidly becoming known as Mother's Day.  During the 16th century it was traditional for people to return to their mother church every year in the middle of Lent.   Young people, often as young as ten years old, who were working "in service" (as domestic servants), were allowed home one day a year and it was usually Mothering Sunday.  As is often the case with Christian festivals, it is based on an earlier one to honour a mother goddess in mid-March.  There are several alternative names for the day such as, Simnel Sunday, Refreshment Sunday, Laetare Sunday and Rose Sunday.

I chose the card because it symbolises a mother's protection so well.

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7 comments:

  1. I always wondered about the origin of Mothering Sunday. I'm so glad to see it isn't just an invention of Hallmark.

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  2. This is really beautiful and symbolic of mothering! :)

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  3. Aaaah! and a big aaaah at that!

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  4. Beautiful card and interesting information about Mothering Sunday.

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  5. Return one day a year? Goodness! That is a reason to celebrate!

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  6. this card is just soo cute! animals always manage to touch me deep within...

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  7. @SueG, yes I'm happy to find Mothering Sunday pre-dates Hallmark. More than can be said for Father's Day unfortunately.

    @Mei Teng, I thought so too!

    @Martin, all together now.... :)

    @Postcardy, thanks!

    @Marie, I know, no contracts of employment in those days.

    @Ana, this is one I really like too.

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Welcome to my postcard collection! I love hearing what you think of the cards - but spam WILL be deleted.

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