MOTHER'S SUNDAY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 876, 23 July 1910, Page 10

MOTHER'S SUNDAY.

: Sir,—l noticed iu yesterday's paper an account of thu institution of "Mothers Day" at a gathering of young men at tiie Y.M.C.A. ' , The Hon. Gco. Fowkb, who presided, is reported to havo said: "The idea of 'Mother's Day' originated in America, where so many excellent ideas do originate; and it Has spread throughout tne Anglo-Celtic world." ■ While delighted to see this excellent plan for fostering a dutiful and loving remembrance of their mothers on a certain day iii the year on the part of young men, 1 would lite to call .'the attention of the Hon. Geo. I'owlus and otheis tu the fact' that America did not originate the idea, but th.ul tuo Dractiue oi' Keeping "Mothering Sunday" is an ancient custom in England, as many oan testify. Mid-Lent Sunuay is the clay commonly known as "Motoring Sunday," and on that day all lads and girls used to endeavour to go and visit their mothers, who, on their part, made a 'Sininel cake , for them, as a token of their affection. Should they. be unable- to visit their mothers in person, the young people were in duty-bound to send some token of love, which, if possible, should take tho form of a bunch of violets. The custom, liko w mauy good old customs, has no doubt fallen somewhat into disuss; so much So that many in the present generation are not awaro of its existence. But, in spito of this, thn origin of the custom is to be found not in America, but in England—the land of good mothers! I quote the following line* from a book of. verses ifinjr possession:--Mothering Sunday. "Who goes a-motheriug iinds violets in tlio law." I have no , violets to 'bring, They do not grow «' a crowded °ourt, They could not live in busy street Amid the tramp of passing feet; So 1, who visit you .in • thought,' 'Who come to-day a-motuering, 1 have no violets to briuj , , Why do wo lovo the violet? Wβ loved her when our life was now, Dear memories stir in our mind AVhcn, gazing in her eyes, wo find Remembrances, ii!l wot with dew, ■ Of thoso wo never can forget, . Who also loved the violet. And when I eomo n-inothering— Only in thought—among tho rest, ' To that fair combo beneath' the lull, I como with empty hands, but still My loving thoughts and prayers will Be there, so I have brought my best, ■ Though when I coma a-mothering I have no violets to bring, I am, etc, H. G. BLAUKBUKNE." , The Vicarage, Kilbirme.