OUT & ABOUT
The season of
But how did these two mainstays of spring come into being and why do they fall on different dates each year? To begin chronologically, Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday, usually takes place in March or occasionally early April in the UK, although it can be as late as May in some other countries. Here, we mark Mother’s Day on the fourth Sunday of Lent which means it always falls exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday.
The exact origin of the day though is uncertain. Some historians think it may be connected to an annual Roman Spring Festival that was held to honour Cybele, the Mother of the Gods, while others believe its roots lie in Biblical accounts of the Christian relationship with Jewish law. Another theory suggests that Mothers’ Day relates to the church-going traditions of centuries ago when people who worshipped locally on Sundays were encouraged to return to an area’s main or ‘mother’ church’ once a year. Nowadays we think of Mother’s Day as a time to treat our much-loved mums to breakfast in bed, Sunday lunch out and traditional gifts of flowers or chocolates. We put thought into special gestures to say thank you and show just how much we care. For a little inspiration this year, explore some local experiences to delight your mum whether you choose to wine and dine her or treat her to a relaxing experience. What could be more enjoyable than a unique river cruise on our very own South Yorkshire waterways. Enjoy the tranquility of the canal route, along the River Don, whilst sipping on a glass of Prosecco making
‘‘explore some local experiences to delight your mum whether you choose to wine and dine her or treat her to a relaxing experience’’
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aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
As well as heralding slightly warmer days and longer nights, spring also ushers in two notable, albeit changing, dates in our collective calendar; Mother’s Day and Easter. We can also savour the first bank holiday of the year, which we have been long awaiting in anticipation.
‘‘Birds’ eggs laid during the week before Easter were originally not meant to be eaten but were saved, decorated and given as gifts’’
fabulous memories to remember with your Mum and loved ones. Perhaps Mother’s Day is a particularly busy time and you wish to plan a later date in the diary to give Mum your undivided attention. The Beauty, Shopping and Fizz night at Elsecar Heritage Centre offers an assortment of stalls to splurge on some goodies, live demonstrations and opportunities to sample street foot, cocktails, make-up or beauty products.
As spring progresses, we are extremely egg- cited to embrace the Festival of Easter. For many of us the consumption of lots and lots of chocolate eggs is our first thought, though for the smaller ones upon us, egg hunts and Easter bonnets bring many joyous moments. We must also remember the Christian origins of Easter which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ which occurred on the third day after he was crucified on the cross. Prior to Easter, Christians follow Lent, which is supposed to be 40 days of prayer, penance and fasting. Notably, Easter is not fixed to a specific day. It is supposed to fall on the first Sunday after the full moon following March 21st which could be as late as April 25th. For both young and old, Easter typically means eggs of the chocolate variety. There is some historical connection behind this yummy treat. Birds’ eggs laid during the week before Easter (Holy Week) were originally not meant to be eaten but were saved, decorated and given as gifts. The Victorians are believed to have adapted this
surprises
practice into a more elaborate gift-giving tradition which gradually developed into the one we enjoy today.
Of course, everyone knows that these oval-shaped chocolate treats are delivered by a certain generous bunny who might be feeling mischievous enough to hide them from sight leading to an Easter egg hunt - several of which will be held around the region this April. When you’re out and out exploring, head to Cannon Hall Museum for an abundance of opportunities to get crafty and bake up an Easter treat, fun for all members of the family. Throughout the Easter break, Elsecar Heritage Centre are inviting children to join them to paint their own rock and hunt for golden ones on their Elsecar treasure hunts.
Whatever spring means to you, you’re likely to find something to enjoy so get your friends or family together, don your Easter bonnet, tuck into some hot cross buns and raise a glass of something nice to celebrate the season.
Don’t forget to put these key dates in your diary:
Mothering Sunday, 31st March, Easter Sunday, 21st April.
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