- Second Sunday of May in many countries
- Modern day began in 1908
- Mothering Sunday in the UK
Where it began
People have honoured mothers for a very long time. The ancient Greeks and Romans held spring festivals for mother goddesses, and many cultures have days of respect for mothers.
In Britain and Ireland, Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. It began as a day when people went back to their home church, the mother church, and it grew into a day to visit mothers with flowers.
The modern Mother's Day began in the United States. Anna Jarvis held a service in memory of her own mother in Grafton, West Virginia, in 1908, and she worked for years to make it a national day.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
Greeks and Romans hold spring festivals for mother goddesses.
Medieval Britain
Mothering Sunday begins as a day to return to the mother church.
1908
Anna Jarvis holds the first modern Mother's Day service in West Virginia.
1914
The United States makes the second Sunday of May a national Mother's Day.
Today
The day is kept in many countries with cards, flowers, meals and calls home.
How it is celebrated in different places
India
Children cook for their mothers, give flowers and cards, and share photos of family.
United Kingdom
Mothering Sunday comes in March, often with daffodils and Simnel cake.
Mexico
Mother's Day is on 10 May, with songs, serenades and family lunches.
Thailand
The day is kept on 12 August, and jasmine flowers are given as a sign of a mother's love.
Mother's Day moments
Mother's Day today
Today Mother's Day is a day to slow down and say thank you. Families plan a meal, give a small gift or just spend time together, and many remember mothers who are no longer with them.
