Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday as it is known by some, is
celebrated in many countries around the world and on many different dates. In
Ireland (and indeed the UK) it traditionally falls exactly 3 Sundays before
Easter Sunday - this year, that's Sunday the 10th March 2013.
Although there are many different ideas and histories
behind the idea of this celebration, it is thought that the most likely origin
for this special day was in the 16th century when families would gather at
their ‘mother church’ on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This became special event
in that, for many people, it was an occasion for them to meet and gather with
other family members that they would otherwise normally not see, due to work or
other reasons.
Today the tradition continues and is mostly a day when
children show their love and appreciation for their mothers by giving them
gifts, cards, flowers or similar presents.
This year, Mother’s Day, falls on Sunday the 10th March 2013 in Ireland.