Mothering Sunday

Mother's Day, originally known as Mothering Sunday, began in the 16th Century. On the fourth Sunday of lent, it became a tradition that people would return to parish church for a special service. Known as "going a-mothering", it became a holiday event where domestic servants were given the day off to visit their families and mother church.

By the beginning of the 20th Century, Mothering Sunday was no longer widely observed, until Constance Penswick-Smith decided to revive the festival. Mothering Sunday was back, but with more of a focus on celebrating motherhood; largely influenced by the American 'Mother's Day' that's celebrated in May.