A short history of Mother's Day

'Mothering Sunday' honours the mothers of England. As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honour the 'Mother Church' - the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm.

Over time, the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration.

People began honouring their mothers as well as the Church. During this time many of England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy.

Most servants would live at the houses of their employers but on Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers.

A special cake, called the Mothering Cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch.

Sometimes furmety was served - wheat grains boiled in sweet milk, sugared and spiced.