In the UK, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of lent and is traditionally a time of recognising and honouring mothers of children.It’s an opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude to the people that brought us into the world.

With the big day looming, here a few things that you probably didn’t know about the special occasion...

Thank the Greeks

 

Mother’s Day can trace its roots back to Ancient Greece whose customs saw them celebrate motherhood by worshipping Rhea – the Mother of the Gods.

Pick a date

 

It might be a global celebration but Mother’s Day doesn’t occur on the same day in every corner of the world. While the UK celebrates in March, American’s wait until May while Yugoslavians mark the date in December.

Different traditions

Speaking of Yugoslavia, traditions there are a little different to everywhere else. On the morning of Mother’s Day, children sneak into their mum’s room before tying her up. To be released, the mother must have presents ready for when she wakes up!

Time for Battle

Bolivia’s Mother’s Day celebration is not based on Lent or other cultures but actually marks the day when women first participated in battle. The day is therefore a symbol and celebration of women’s strengths and of prosperity.

Get on the phone

Of course, in the UK Mother’s Day is a little different. Most people pick up the phone to wish their parent well and this results in more phone calls on Mother’s Day than at any other time of the year.

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate

The gift of choice for many siblings on Mother’s Day (and in all likelihood their mum’s too) is to buy chocolates. Around four million boxes are sold around the day in the UK every year!

Baby hedgehogs are additional extra...

A nation of card givers

 Cards are given alongside gifts – in much the same way as other major celebrations. Some 30 million are purchased and sent in the UK each year.

Flowers of spring

Flowers are also popular Mother’s Day gifts, so much so that 70% of people purchase some as gifts in the days leading up to the Sunday.

Time to wine and dine

Surprisingly, Mother’s Day is recorded as the busiest day of the year for restaurants, proving more popular than other days including Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day to name just a few. So if you’re preparing to take you mother out for dinner, you probably won’t be the only one!

You can find more information on sending parcels here.