Mother’s Day originated during the middle ages allowing families to come back to where they grew up and visit their home or ‘mother’ churches, and their mothers. It was a time for families to meet up again on the fourth Sunday of Lent, exactly 3 weeks before Easter, falling in the second half or March or early April.

This became known as Mothering Sunday in the UK and as the date of Lent varies then so does the date of Mothering Sunday, now more well known as Mother’s Day. It is not a bank holiday in the UK but restaurants, cafes and hotels get fully booked quite quickly, booking is normally essential.

Traditionally the Simnel Cake, a fruit cake with marzipan, was associated with Mother’s Day, although now it is more linked to Easter.

Today, Mothers, Grandmothers, Stepmothers and Mother-in-laws are honoured, families will give gifts and cards with common gifts being flowers, chocolates, beauty treatments or simply making breakfast or lunch for some. Going out for lunch or a fun outing is also something some families do together.

Mother’s Day can be quite a tradition for some families. For a lot of people this will be a joyful day but for some it is a day of remembering their mothers who are no longer with them, for what ever reasons. This can be a time of doing something that you feel comfortable with and not necessarily conforming to what you feel you should be doing. Spending time with friends or with people who are going through the same as you or simply keeping yourself busy.

Shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels will be gearing up for Mother’s Day but if you are looking to purchase something or do something for your mother then please think local and spend your money with your local independent businesses that will be very grateful for your custom.

Whatever you decide to do, simply have a wonderful Sunday on 19th March.