MAIN Home Life Holidays US Mother's Day Mothering Sunday 2012

Mothering Sunday is a time to celebrate with special remembrances in e-mails, long-distance phone calls, a special serving of breakfast in bed, or a dinner out on the town, along with flowers and greeting cards just for Mum.

Traditionally observed on the 4th Sunday of Lent, Mothering Sunday is celebrated in 2012 on March 18.

The modern version of Mothering Sunday has its roots in the tradition of allowing domestic help a special day off each year to visit home, mother and family. The tradition dates back to the early 19th century, although there's evidence that the Mothering Sunday tradition dates back even further.

Today, the fruit-filled Simnel cake (now commonly served at Easter), was a long-held tradition on Mothering Sunday, as expressed in this poem dating to the 17th century:

I'le to thee a Simnell bring,
Gainst thou go'st a mothering,
So that, when she blesseth thee,
Half that blessing thou'lt give me.

While Mothering Sunday was celebrated for centuries in the UK, it beared little connection to the American Mother's Day — but the sentiment was certainly the same! And, indeed, today Mothering Sunday is becoming more widely referred to simply as "Mothers Day".

Along with gifts and Mother's Day flowers the kids can participate in Mother's Day crafts projects and -- as a special treat -- serving mum breakfast in bed? (She''ll love it, even if you do burn the toast!)

Just up ahead, discover more online resources that help remember Mum with e-cards, gifts, flowers and cyber treats, poems and quotes, along with more of the history, traditions, trivia and fun facts associated with Mother's Day in the UK ...

More about Mother's Day in the UK around the Web:

BBC - Religion & Ethics - Mothering Sunday - A deep dig into the tradition of the day before the 19th century, when the faithful were required to visit their town's "mother church" at least once a year, eventually growing into the yearly celebration now honoring mothers everywhere.

Mothers Day UK (Mothering Sunday) in England - Nicely told tale of the historic origins of the day. along with more on modern celebrations, and how Mother's Day is celebrated worldwide.

Mothering Sunday E-Cards - Select images along with a brief history of the day, from the British Library.

Mother's Day Greeting Cards from 123Greetings.com - Dozens of e-cards to send in categories ranging from new moms to special aunts and grandmothers, along with suggestions on general greetings just right for Mother's Day.

Mother's Day Crafts - Wonderful, kid-friendly ideas for honoring mothers with complete, illustrated instructions for hand-made greeting cards, tissue-paper flowers, pretend stained glass and lots more.

Free Mother's Day Clipart - Nice collection for non-profit use including bouquets, wreaths, bird and animals.

also in Mother's Day--> Mother's Day Clip Art | Mother's Day E-Cards

Mother's Day Gift Ideas | Mother's Day History | Mother's Day Poems

Mother's Day Party Ideas | Mother's Day Recipes