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In the 1600's England celebrated a day called Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of lent, honouring the mothers of England. The servants of the wealthy had that day off from work, and were encouraged to spend the day with their mothers. A special cake (called Mothering cake) was taken along. this was changed to another kind of cake (Simnel Cake) a very rich fruit cake. It was boiled in water then baked and finished with almond icing. Because of lent it had to he kept till Easter, which is why it is associated with Easter today. As Christianity in the 17th century grew, the celebration was changed to the 'Mother Church', but people honoured both mother and the church bringing in the Virgin Mary and all other mothers. In America in 1907 a Methodist minister's daughter Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, campaigned following her own mother's death for a national mother's day, as Anna Jarvis did not think people valued or respected their mothers enough. By the next year, mother's day was celebrated in her church in Philadelphia, with the wearing of a white carnation her mother's favourite flower. By 1911 Mother's day was celebrated in almost every state in America and a national holiday was held on the 2nd Sunday in May, red carnation being a symbol of a living mother and white ones for mother's who had died replaced the original idea. Anna Jarvis who was never a mother herself, but taught in Sunday school died in 1948 aged 84 years. The British Isles celebrates Mothering Sunday on the 4th Sunday in lent, while most of Europe follows the USA date of 2nd Sunday in May. *************************** Mother it’s so Long ago Mother it’s so long ago Since I saw your sweet smile, But it’s in my memory Which comes once in a while Also in your photograph Which sits so proud and tall No one fails to notice it When they come and pay a call. I remember you in spring time When tulips are in full bloom So I gather some and feel Your presence in my room. I know some day dear mother I shall see your smile once more As time creeps upon me and God closes this earthly door. Joyce Gale 2005 midi 'peace' copyright New Hope Music. |
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