Mothering Sunday - Some interesting facts. 2012.02.07.

Mothers Day or Mothering Sunday has been celebrated in many different forms since the Roman Empire. The day itself and the celebrations surrounding them have changed a number of times. The Roman celebration was called Hilaria and the day was all about honoring the mother goddess Cybele. This day eventually evolved into the Christian celebration of Laetare Sunday. This day took place on the 4th Sunday of Lent and entailed family visit's to their local Cathedral's or 'Mother Church'. Laetare Sunday was celebrated before the introduction of workers holidays, however most workers were permitted to have the day to visit church, making this day one of the only days of the year that whole families could get together and therefore extra special.

Popularity of this holiday waned by the 1920's and soon after, was replaced by 'Mothering Sunday' a day which was created by American Ann Jarvis, to help support mothers who had lost their sons and husbands in the war. The trend travelled overseas and was encouraged in the UK by Constance Penwick-Smith. The day quickly went from one of support and togetherness to a commercial one and saw many people cashing in on it (much to the dismay of Ann Jarvis who campaigned against the commercialisation of Mothers day for the rest of her life). People began to send Mothers day cards and gifts.

Today the tradition is more popular than ever. Last year there were over £100 billion spent on Mothers day gifts and cards and this figure is sure to grow. This is a special day and one in which we can show our appreciation to the woman in our life who has nurtured, cared and supported us when we couldn't do it for ourselves. Many people feel that this day is the day to say thank you and show their appreciation by sending a Mothers day e card, cooking a delicious meal for her, booking her a pedicure or simply taking her a bunch of tulips.

For those of you who don't know - Mothers day is on the 18th of March this year!

Katie x

P.s. you can send your mum a special animated Mothers day ecard by becoming a Katie's Cards member in return for a small membership fee. Start sending e cards immediately and can send unlimited cards within your membership period! Click here to join today.