It's the time of the year when we are reminded on a daily basis by shops and businesses that it is soon to be Mother's Day! We are urged to buy this or that delightful item for the Mothers in our lives. We at English Rose Linens are guilty too!
I have Heard...
...husbands and fathers around me complaining about the "Commercialism" and some even vowing to ignore the celebration completely. I feel very sad that this simple and ancient festival which dates back to the 16th Century should now attract such bad feeling.
Did you Know that...
...Mothering Sunday was celebrated around 400 years ago in England. In those times many young people worked away from home as servants in the big houses. Mothering Sunday (as it was called then) was a Christian Festival which happened on the 4th Sunday in Lent - or 3 Sundays before Easter. The young workers were given time off to go to their homes and be with their Mothers. On the way home they would pick flowers - primroses and violets - from the hedgerows and banks to give to their mothers. No florists in those days!
This custom died out, however until it was reinstated in America in 1913. It was reintroduced in England in 1938 but it was a very simple affair then. The commercialism which is associated with Mother's Day has grown with the way we live now.
We think that...
...it is simply a time to honour the mother figures in our lives. The mothers, the stepmothers, the grandmothers, the mothers in law, the role they fulfil is so special.They are the glue which holds families together.They know us like none other. From the child-care they provide to the unswerving support in difficult times they are always there for us.They raise us, they push us to do our best, they help us with our homework and they bring to school our forgotten gym kit!
Here is what others have said about Mothers.
- We are all better people because of the strong women in our lives. Mark Zuckerman
- A mother understands what a child doesn't say. Jewish Proverb
- No love is as instantaneous or forgiving as a mothers love.
- Your mum has turned you into the awesome person you are!
- A mother is the bones of our spines, keeping us straight and true. Kristen Hannah
- A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary. Dorothy Canfield Fisher
So lets raise our glasses to Mothers everywhere,
To Our Mothers!!