Mother’s Day 2022

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Mother’s Day or where this custom began?

Apparently during the Middle Ages, people who had moved away from where they grew up were allowed to return to their home area to visit their 'mother' church. They could also take the opportunity to visit their own mother at the same time, as back in those days children as young as 10 could leave home to find work elsewhere.

The timing of Mothering Sunday, is traditionally the fourth Sunday of lent, the Christian festival. Because Lent is a moveable date Mothering Sunday can fall on various dates in March.

Traditionally the flower for Mother’s Day is the Carnation.

In the Language of Flowers (or Floriography):

* Pink Carnations express gratitude

* Red Carnations represent admiration

* White Carnations are worn to remember a mother who has passed away

As far as seasonal British flowers go though carnations are not yet available in March, but Spring has definitely sprung and the flower beds are filling up with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, narcissi, anemones and ranunculus. Alstroemeria are available from the greenhouse and the willows are bedecked with fluffy catkins. Their fragrance fills the air as well as the sound of sleepy bees emerging into the lengthening days.