Mothering Sunday. A derivative from Refreshment or Laetare Sunday, during Lent: the first words of the opening prayer of the mass are ‘Laetare Jerusalem’, ‘Rejoice Jerusalem … ’, and honour is given to Mother Church. The extension to actual mothers was gradual, and much influenced Anna Jarvis who (c.1900) proposed a day (in May) of thanks to mothers. The two have now merged, and have become a single commercial exploitation.

Mothering Sunday mid-Lent Sunday, traditionally the day on which children visited and gave presents to their parents (compare Mother's Day at mother).