Mother’s Day is one of the most cherished holidays, dedicated to celebrating the unconditional love and sacrifices of mothers worldwide. But did you know that the UK and the US don’t celebrate it on the same day? While Americans will honor their moms on May 11, 2025, Brits will already have done so on March 30, 2025. So, why the difference? Let’s dive into the fascinating history behind these two celebrations.
The UK’s Mothering Sunday: A Tradition Rooted in History
In the UK, Mother’s Day is traditionally called “Mothering Sunday”, and its origins go back centuries. Unlike the modern holiday celebrated in the US, Mothering Sunday has deep religious roots, dating back to the 16th century.
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It was originally a Christian holiday, observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent (the 40-day fasting period before Easter).
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On this day, people would return to their “mother church” (the church where they were baptized or their family’s main place of worship).
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Over time, the tradition evolved into a special day to honor mothers and maternal figures, as children working away from home would reunite with their families and bring their mothers gifts or flowers.
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The date changes every year because it depends on Easter, which follows the lunar calendar.
Today, Mothering Sunday in the UK is more secular than its original religious significance, but the tradition of giving flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt messages remains strong.
The US Mother’s Day: The Legacy of Anna Jarvis
In contrast, the American version of Mother’s Day is much younger and unrelated to religion. It was officially established in 1914 thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, a woman who campaigned for a national holiday to honor mothers after her own mother passed away.
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Anna Jarvis held the first Mother’s Day service in 1907 in West Virginia, in memory of her mother.
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She campaigned tirelessly, writing letters to politicians and influential figures to create a national holiday.
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In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the United States.
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Unlike the UK, the date remains fixed to the second Sunday of May each year—making it more predictable.
Ironically, Anna Jarvis later fought against the commercialization of Mother’s Day, as she believed it had strayed too far from her original vision of a heartfelt, personal tribute to mothers.
Key Differences Between UK & US Mother’s Day
| Aspect | UK (Mothering Sunday) | US (Mother’s Day) |
|---|---|---|
| Date in 2025 | March 30, 2025 | May 11, 2025 |
| Origin | Christian tradition (16th century) | Anna Jarvis’s campaign (1914) |
| Tied to Easter? | Yes, follows the lunar calendar | No, always the 2nd Sunday in May |
| Main Tradition | Church visits, flowers, gifts | Cards, flowers, family gatherings |
| Reason for Date Change | Linked to Lent and Easter | Fixed annual date |
Which Country Celebrates Mother’s Day Best?
Both the UK and the US celebrate Mother’s Day in unique and meaningful ways. Whether tied to religion, history, or heartfelt tributes, one thing is clear—mothers deserve to be honored and appreciated!
So, will you be celebrating on March 30th or May 11th this year? 🌸 Let us know in the comments!
Final Thoughts
Mother’s Day may fall on different dates across countries, but its sentiment remains the same—a day to show love, gratitude, and appreciation for the incredible mothers and maternal figures in our lives. Whether you’re celebrating in March or May, make sure to let your mom know how much she means to you! 💖