When is Mother’s Day: Understanding the Dates and Traditions

What the data shows

When is Mother’s Day? The answer varies significantly depending on where you are in the world. In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, a day known as Mothering Sunday. In contrast, the United States observes Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. For 2026, Mother’s Day in the UK will fall on March 15th.

The origins of Mother’s Day in the UK can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was originally a religious observance. It was a day when domestic servants were given the day off to visit their mothers, a tradition that allowed families to reunite. This practice evolved over time, and today, Mothering Sunday is often associated with honoring mothers and maternal figures.

On the other hand, the American Mother’s Day was founded by Anna Jarvis in 1908. Jarvis campaigned for a day to honor mothers after her own mother passed away. She envisioned a day dedicated to appreciating the sacrifices mothers make for their children. However, the commercialization of Mother’s Day later horrified Jarvis, who spent much of her later life trying to undo what she saw as a distortion of her original vision.

The date of Mother’s Day in the UK fluctuates each year due to its connection with Lent, which is determined by the date of Easter. For instance, in 2025, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on March 30th, while in 2024, it will be on March 10th, and in 2027, it will fall on March 7th. This variability can sometimes lead to confusion, especially for those who may not be aware of the significance of the date.

Interestingly, the British Library suggests that there was an international tradition of honoring mothers on the fourth Sunday in Lent, indicating that the celebration of motherhood has deep historical roots across various cultures. The connection to visiting the ‘mother church’ and family ties further emphasizes the importance of maternal figures in society.