Laetare Sunday( Mothering Day - England)

Rejoice, O Jerusalem...

"The Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday, from the first words of the liturgy [Introit] above. Since it is in the middle of Lent, like Gaudete Sunday midway through Advent, Laetare reminds us of the Event we look forward to at the end of the penitential season. As on Gaudete Sunday, rose-colored vestments may replace violet, symbolizing, the Church's joy in anticipation of the Resurrection.

In England, this Sunday is known as Mothering Sunday, a custom that arose during the Middle Ages, because the Epistle for the day said, 'But Jerusalem which is above, is free, which is the mother of us all' [Galatians 4:26]. The Church is 'Jerusalem which is above'.

....On Laetare Sunday people went to Church where they were baptized (their mother church), and visited their own mothers, as well, often bringing gifts of flowers and simnel cakes (so-called because they were made with fine white flour, or simila.)" ~ Women for Faith and Family.