Date varies by country — select yours:
Mother's Day is a celebration honouring mothers and motherhood, observed on different dates in different countries. In the United States, Canada, Australia and many other countries, it falls on the second Sunday of May. In the UK and Ireland, it is observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent (Mothering Sunday), which can fall in March or April. The US holiday was formally established by Congress in 1914 following a campaign by activist Anna Jarvis, who ironically later turned against its commercialisation.
Mother's Day is the third-largest retail occasion in the United States, with consumers spending over $35 billion annually. The most popular gifts are flowers (it is the single biggest day for flower purchases in the US), greeting cards, restaurant meals, jewellery, spa services and personalised gifts. Approximately 84 million Americans celebrate Mother's Day, making it one of the most universally observed occasions in the country.
UK Mother's Day — Mothering Sunday — has older roots tied to the Christian calendar: historically it was a day when servants and apprentices were allowed to return home to their 'mother church' and visit their families. Today it is celebrated with flowers, cards and family meals in the same spirit as the US holiday, though its date is earlier in the year, tied to the Lenten calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar.
When is Mother's Day 2027?
In the US, Canada and Australia, Mother's Day 2027 falls on Sunday, May 9, 2027.
When is Mother's Day in the UK?
UK Mothering Sunday 2027 falls on March 14, 2027 (fourth Sunday of Lent). It is not the same date as US Mother's Day.
Is Mother's Day a public holiday?
Mother's Day is not a public holiday in the US, UK, Canada or Australia. Businesses, schools and government offices remain open.
What are the most popular Mother's Day gifts?
The most popular gifts are flowers (especially carnations and roses), greeting cards, brunch or dinner at a restaurant, jewellery, spa treatments, personalised items (photo books, engraved jewellery) and gift cards.
What is the difference between Mother's Day and Mothering Sunday?
In the US, Canada and Australia, 'Mother's Day' is the secular celebration on the second Sunday of May. In the UK, 'Mothering Sunday' is the traditional Christian observance on the fourth Sunday of Lent — the two are often conflated but are historically distinct.
How do I plan a Mother's Day restaurant booking?
Mother's Day is the busiest restaurant day of the year in the US and UK. Book as early as possible — at least 2–3 weeks in advance for popular venues, or earlier in major cities.
What flowers should I give for Mother's Day?
Carnations are the traditional US Mother's Day flower. Roses, tulips, peonies and lilies are also popular. In the UK, daffodils are a common Mothering Sunday choice. A personalised bouquet in your mother's favourite colours is always appreciated.
Why did Anna Jarvis oppose the commercialisation of Mother's Day?
Anna Jarvis created Mother's Day as a personal and heartfelt tribute to her own mother. She wanted it expressed through handwritten letters, not purchased goods. She was infuriated by greeting card companies, florists and candy makers profiting from her holiday, and spent decades (and her entire fortune) unsuccessfully trying to have it decommercialised.