So, Mothering Sunday is 15th March this year – the day after Pi (π) Day. This is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (Pi) and is observed on March 14th since 3,1 and 4 are the first significant figures of π and it was first celebrated in the USA who tend to note the dates with the month first. It was founded in 1988 by Larry Shaw, an employee of a science museum in San Francisco, the Exploratorium. Celebrations include eating circular pies or holding pi recitation competitions.
Apart from mothers baking really tasty pies, is there any connection? Well, it’s all about encircling and that’s what mothers, or those who take the place of a mother, do well. From birth completely enfolding the newborn – protecting, providing for and keeping safe. Circles are about boundaries and as a child grows, its parents consistently reinforce the rules, ensuring they grow up safe and secure. But still there with loving arms to wrap around in times of need and comfort. As they grow, the child may experience the widening of the circle as they are allowed more freedom as the boundaries weaken with maturity into adulthood. Even as an adult, it’s good to feel the occasional parental hug a symbol of love and acceptance.
Reminiscent of the father of the prodigal Son, running out to his lost son in welcome and, I imagine, crushing him in a bear hug like no other. The Father in the story, of course, represents God.
Where would we be without circles? No wheels or roundabouts, few clocks, wonky flowers, odd eyes, sharp cornered planets, few ball games etc Thank God for the circle. Thank God for mothers and the encircling they do. But most of all thank God for His amazing all containing and accepting love for each one of us.