Mother’s Day 31st March

Mother’s Day is a holiday honouring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. Mothering Sunday was once also known as 'Refreshment Sunday' it was the mid-lent Sunday where fasting could be 'eased' for the day and people could enjoy a delicious meal together as a family. Traditionally, after church, families would enjoy a Sunday dinner and the mother would be made a pivotal figure of the feast. Similar to today, Mothering Sunday was all about spoiling mum and making her feel happy and appreciated. We hope you enjoy reading our collection of interesting mother’s day facts. Take a look at our selection of great gifts for your Mum below, online and at our Gloucester store.

History of Mother’s Day

Like many traditions and festivities, Mothering Sunday began with a religious purpose. Held on the fourth Sunday in Lent since the 16th century, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday, it was a originally a day to honour and give thanks to the Virgin Mary, also known as Mother Mary.

Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. They would celebrate mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele,  every Spring with festivals of worship. The Romans also celebrated a mother Goddess, Cybele, every March as far back as 250BC.

The clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.” Such celebrations traditionally required people to visit their 'mother' church - the main church or cathedral in a family's area. The spread of Christianity throughout Europe in the 16th century increased the celebrations and firmly put Mothering Sunday on the calendar. The gatherings reunited families and gave children who worked as domestic servants, or as apprentices away from home the opportunity to have the day off to join their family and see their mother.

Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.

Mother’s Day Around the World

The date varies in other parts of the world. Many countries follow the US and celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, whilst other countries enjoy the day on March 8th which is International Women's Day.

In the UK, we celebrate it on Mothering Sunday, which is the fourth Sunday of Lent, and exactly three weeks before Easter.

While versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated worldwide, traditions vary depending on the country. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Mom Rajawongse Sirikit Kitiyakara.

Another alternate observance of Mother’s Day can be found in Ethiopia, where families gather each fall to sing songs and eat a large feast as part of Antrosht, a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood.

In the United States and the UK, Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated by presenting mothers and other women with gifts and flowers, and it has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending.

Mother’s Day Facts

• In the vast majority of the world’s languages, the word for “mother” begins with the letter M.

• Women purchase 80% of all Mother’s Day cards.

• Anna Jarvis is considered the founder of Mother’s Day in the United States. She quit her job to focus full-time on persuading politicians, business executives and civic leaders into making the holiday official.

• Around one-quarter of all flowers purchased throughout the year are purchased for Mother’s Day.

• Mother’s Day sees around one quarter of all flowers purchased throughout the year falling on this holiday.

• Studies and research now show that giving a bouquet of flowers has many positive health and psychological benefits.

• Mother’s Day has also been a date for launching political or feminist causes. In 1968 Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., used Mother’s Day to host a march in support of underprivileged women and children.

• In the 1970s women’s groups also used the holiday as a time to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare. Here are a selection of our favourite gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Lots of choice also available online and at our fabulously eclectic store in Gloucester.

Naturally European Mini Hand Cream Set

This set of three mini Naturally European Hand Creams proves that the best things really do come in small packages! Using the same great formula as our full size hand creams, each miniature tube contains 20% shea butter, essential oil fragrances and no parabens or SLS.
This gift set is perfect for handbags and ideal as a gift. Bringing together three of the most popular Naturally European fragrances: Verbena, Freesia & Pear and Ginger & Lime. High levels of shea butter ensure dry hands are soothed and smooth. The best skin care for damaged skin at a fraction of the cost of other hand creams on the market.

Tranquillity, Sea & Shore Pot

Immerse yourself in the essence of the untamed coast and countryside as these candles transport you to a realm brimming with breathtaking wonders. With every flicker, experience the invigorating scent of the ocean breeze, the delicate aroma of wildflowers, and the earthy notes of luscious fruits that infuse these landscapes with an enchanting feel. Handmade in a family-run factory in Portugal, each pot is truly unique featuring beautiful reactive glazes. This St Eval pot is filled with the popular Tranquillity fragrance. A calming and relaxing blend of soothing lavender, zesty orange and ylang ylang with notes of rosemary, patchouli and sweet vanilla.

Please note: Due to the reactive glazes of these gorgeous pots, each finish will vary slightly and will not be identical to the image shown.

• Burn Time: up to 24 hours

• Size: 7cm x 7cm

• Fragrance: Tranquillity

• Fragrance Description: A relaxing blend of lavender, orange & ylang ylang.

• Pack Size: 1 per pack

To maximise your candle’s burn times, always allow your candle to become molten across the entire surface before extinguishing the flame. After burning, trim your candle’s wick to just below 1cm, do not allow the excess wick to fall back into the molten wax. Instead of blowing out your candle, snuff it to prevent the wick from smouldering.

Lily of The Valley Hand Soap Gift Set

Give the gift of exquisite fragrance with the Lily of The Valley Hand Soap Gift Set. This gift set contains three 100g individually wrapped hand soaps, perfectly presented in a gift box, decorated with a quintessentially English garden-inspired illustration. Lily of the valley is an enchanting perfume that is a timeless classic, with floral top notes of sensual jasmine on a bed of honeysuckle and magnolia.

• 3 x 100g soap bars
• Made in the UK
• Vegan friendly & cruelty-free
• Plastic-free & fully recyclable packaging
• Perfect as a gift

Instructions for use:

Lather with warm water and wash off to leave skin cleansed and nourished. When not in use, keep the soap bar in a dry and cool area.