A Rose Sunday by any Other Name

Now-a-days, we call the Fourth Sunday of Lent, “the Fourth Sunday of Lent.” Such imagination we are blessed with. This day used to go by different names. It is still known, in some parts of our communion as Mothering Sunday. It is celebrated as such, by many Roman Catholic and Anglicans in some parts of Europe. Traditionally, it was a day when people could visit their "mother" church, but it became an opportunity to honour one’s mothers by  giving her a greeting card and presents. In the UK and Ireland, Mothering Sunday is celebrated like Mother's Day is now. My mother, who grew up in Newfoundland, would have celebrated Mothering Sunday.

This day is also known as Laetare Sunday, a term used by many Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. The word comes from the Latin laetare, "to rejoice". It is from the traditional introit Psalm sung on this day.

Both traditions, coming almost in the very middle of the austere season of Lent were a kind of respite, freeing people from the Lenten fast and rejoicing in their faith.

It was also known as Simnel Sunday (after a light fruit cake with almond paste or marzipan). And it was known as Rose Sunday because the liturgical colour (for the stoles, frontals and veils) was pink or rose in colour. These things were rose coloured to show that this Sunday was a kind of break from rigors of the Lenten season.