Spotlight Magazine for North Mansfield March 2015 Spotlight Magazine for Mansfield South, March 2015 | Page 26

Spotlight Magazine M Flowers and Mother’s Day other’s Day began in 1908 after an American lady, Ann Jarvis, asked the local church if they would set aside a day to commemorate her mother’s death. From this grew the idea to create a holiday on which all mothers – alive or dead – could be remembered, parents respected, and family bonds strengthened. Ann started a campaign to have Mother’s Day recognised as a holiday. In 1914 she succeeded when US President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day, celebrated in May, an annual holiday. The practice has spread throughout the world! During her campaign, Ann posted or handed out white carnations, and this flower became a symbol for the day. 26 Mothers would wear a white carnation if their mother was dead, and a coloured one if she was still living. In the UK, Mother’s Day is celebrated in March on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, this was a time when all family members were granted time off work and could gather together to worship. The day became known as Mothering Sunday – or Rose Sunday – because roses were handed out to all women present at church. Flowers symbolise purity, beauty and life – all attributes possessed by mothers - and gradually the tradition of giving flowers grew. But above all, flowers are given because our mothers like them! www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • [email protected]