English Explanatory Dictionary

Mothering Sunday

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. The fourth Sunday of Lent, three Sundays before Easter, now especially as a day to honor one's mother.

Word forms

Mothering Sunday

Etymology

From the former British custom of visiting mother churches (q.v.) at Mid-Lent, which by the English Civil War had passed on to servants receiving leave to go a-mothering, visiting and providing small gifts to their families. Revived as a national tradition in the early 20th century after the model of Mother's Day in the United States.

Synonyms

Mid-Lent Mid-Lent Sunday Mothering Day Mother's Day Laetare Sunday Simnel Sunday Refection Sunday Refreshment Sunday Rose Sunday Sunday of the Five Loaves Jerusalem Sunday
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