03/13/2015
This March 15 Mothering Sunday is celebrated in the United Kingdom. Russian girls celebrate a similar holiday on March 8 annually. The roots of English holidays go back to the Victorian epoch when children left their homes at an early age to work away from their place and to send earned money to their families. One day a year the children were allowed to spend at home with their parents. Usually, they brought their mothers and grandmothers small gifts - bouquets or fresh eggs. Today British children give flowers to their mothers and do their housework.
The earliest celebration of Mother's Day originated from the ancient Greek spring festival in honour of the goddess of Rhea, the wife of the god Cronus and the mother of many gods and goddesses. In 250 BC, the ceremonies, praising another mother goddess Cybele began to take place in Rome. This religious Roman celebration lasted three days – from March 15 to 18. Since the 17th century, the fourth Sunday of Lent has become the Mothering Sunday in England. It was a celebration of all mothers of England. With the spread of Christianity in Europe, this Sunday was the feast of the Mother of the Church signifying the spiritual power giving life and protecting them from evil.
Nowadays Mother’s Day is a homey holiday. The ladies have a rest and their men do housework and cook dinner. The Simnel cake decorated with 12 marzipan balls is traditionally prepared for this day. These balls symbolize 12 Star Signs. These cakes are baked and sold in England on Sundays during Lent. Sometimes husbands take their wives to restaurants to celebrate the event. Children give flowers, cards and other gifts to their beloved mothers.
To congratulate own mother is a matter of vital importance. And no matter what a distant corner of our planet you are, getting in touch with your life angel, your beloved mother with a call, a postcard, an e-mail, or a text is your prime duty on Mother’s Day. Even if you’re not an Englishman and you do not live in England as your Ukrainian lady, for instance, write or call your parents at least this day though it should be your pleasant everyday routine.
