“Mothering Sunday” or “Mother’s
Day” as it is now more often called, falls on the 4th Sunday in Lent – but as there are variances in this
year on year – Mother’s Day does not always fall at the same time each year.
Although it is completely unrelated to the US Mother’s Day (as well as the Mother’s Days of most other countries)
- the reasoning (i.e. to celebrate and show appreciation to Mother’s) behind it
are very similar.
The
beginnings of an official “Mother’s Day” in the UK (akin to
how we know it today) goes right back to the 17th century, and was
known even then as “Mothering Sunday” although its origins can be traced back
much further than this. During this
early time, working children and young adults would get the day off from their
duties to visit their Mother’s - bringing them small gifts – cake and flowers
or a variety of other gifts depending on the locality and job in which they
worked.
There is also evidence that
servants were allowed to pick flowers from their Masters grounds – which is
undoubtedly where the tradition of
giving flowers on Mother’s Day originated and continues strongly today.
The US Mother’s Day began around 150 years ago when Anna Jarvis lobbied
Ministers in her Mother’s memory to have a day where Mother’s were
celebrated. During the first Church
service to honour Anna's mother (also Anna M. Jarvis) she handed out white
carnations - her Mother’s favourite flower – which could be the reason (as
below) why white carnations are the traditional flower for remembering Mother’s
who have deceased, and possibly pink carnations were chosen as an alternative
to this for Mother’s still alive – much in the same way as one now would not
give the living a wreath.
Although
the traditional Mother’s Day flower
is a carnation (pink carnations
particularly, although white carnations are used a sign of
respect and love to deceased Mother’s), things
have moved on a lot since the days when Carnations were picked for Mother’s by
their children (sometimes not altogether legally – for example young children
picking carnations from someone else's
garden!). Things have become a lot
more sophisticated over the centuries – largely to do with the availability of
more and more beautiful and exotic flowers within the UK.
That is not to say that carnations cannot be incorporated into a beautiful arrangement for
Mother’s Day (which will surely be better received than a £1.99 bunch of
carnations from the garage – picked up on the way to visit your Mother!)
As well as carnations, (according
to the Flower and Plants Association) although they were a popular choice last
year - the favourite flower for Mother’s Day was roses, closely followed by
summer flowers such as chrysanthemums as well as mixed bouquets (which are
always a firm favourite – for Mother’s Day – or any occasion).
Mother's Day - 18th March?
Mother’s Day is not celebrated on
the same day in every country – as is a common belief. Last year the dates
ranged from: 12th February in Norway through to 16th
December in Iran.
Remember...
Mother's Day is 18th March in the UK!
Your mother will not be thrilled
on Mother’s Day if you suddenly start to use the traditional dates of another
country as an excuse !
Here are a few examples of what we currently have
available for Mother’s Day. (Click on the link to go directly to picture etc.) And remember all prices shown are inclusive
of UK mainland delivery.
“Mother’s Delight” - SPECIAL OFFER SAVE £1 on
Normal Price (you pay £28.99)
Delight your mum with this selection of pink lilies, roses,
carnations, germinis and tulips
“Mother’s Love” - Mother’s all love spring flowers. This amazing bouquet
of dark blue iris, peach tulips amongst roses and germini will bring them joy.
(£34.99)
“Gypsy Rose” - a lovely alternative to carnations (£34.99)
Pink roses are a favourite with every lady, whatever the
occasion. Ten sweet pink roses with stems of white gypsy grass.
Posted by Bob for Viki
