Going A-Mothering in Regency England

Mother’s Day is almost upon us – this year it falls on Sunday, May 14th.  I’m going to get to see my awesome Mom and hope you’ll have opportunity to visit and remember the very special lady you call Mom.  Have you ever wondered if people in the Regency Era celebrated their mothers?  Yes they did – but not in the same way we celebrate our Moms today.

The holiday in Regency England was called “Mothering Day” when celebrants would go “a-Mothering” three weeks before Easter by attending a special church service at their “mother church.”  Their mother church was where they attended growing up or were baptized.  Mothering Day became an occasion for the family to be together if children had gone into service as household servants.  They were not typically given days off on other occasions.

On this day, children would often pick flowers to place in the church or to give to their mothers.   The giving of such gifts and remembrances establishes today’s tradition of giving gifts to Mothers on Mother’s Day.

In the Regency Era as in today, it’s a sweet occasion of moms, grandmothers and aunts special to us.  As with our modern Mother’s Day, there are many more things to tell about “Mothering Day”.  Take a look at the chapter to be titled, “Ladies, Legalities & Mothers” in my upcoming book for more interesting information as well as a recipe for the traditional “Simnel Cake” and its symbolism.

So many fun things to talk about and many more to come!  Hope you’ll come back again and as always . . .

Happy Holidays,

Lindy