Why does the date of Mother’s Day change every year?

MOTHER'S Day is marked every year by people sending cards, gifts, and flowers to their mums or maternal figures.

The name originates from Mothering Sunday, which has been celebrated since the 16th century.  

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Why does the date of Mother's Day change each year?

In the UK, the date is linked to Easter, which is different each year as it is determined by the lunar calendar.

The British Mother's Day always falls on the fourth Sunday during the period of Lent, when people typically give up things like certain foods or bad habits for the days leading up to Easter.

Dates for Lent and Easter change every year, so Mother's Day also varies with it.

On top of the yearly change in the UK, there is a different date in the US for Mother's Day too.

Mothering Sunday in the US is an annual holiday held on the second Sunday in May - again giving it a slightly different date each year.

It can be confusing but look out for Pancake Day in your calendar and count four Sundays from then.

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, always falls the day before Ash Wednesday which marks the start of Lent.

This year, Mother's Day was held on March 10, 2024, in the UK and will be celebrated on May 12, 2024, in the US.

How is Mother's Day celebrated?

Mother's Day is a celebration held to honour mothers and maternal figures.

The day has evolved into an occasion for children to honour and give presents to their hardworking mums.

In the UK, it was originally linked to religion but has since lost a lot of its connections to the church and is mainly a family day.

Simple thoughtful gifts like flowers and chocolates often accompany a card, which young children tend to hand-make.

Breakfast in bed or a homemade dinner are also staples to help Mum feel special.

Many card companies sell Mother's Day cards that also expand their range to grandmothers, step-mums and more.

Does Father's Day date change every year?

Much like Mother's Day, Father's Day is a celebration of your dad or paternal figures in your life.

It changes year to year because it always falls on the third Sunday in June.

Unfortunately, you won't have festivals like Pancake Day or Lent to help remind you that Father's Day is fast approaching.

While for this holiday the US stick to the same date as the UK, other countries do have a different date.

Australia and New Zealand hold Father's Day on the first Sunday in September, instead of in June.

What to buy this Mother's Day

Your essential guide to what get your mum this year:

• Tried and tested Mother’s Day gifts - click here
• Gifts that will really impress your mum - click here
• Top Mother’s Day gifts without breaking the bank - click here
• The best flowers to buy for your mum - click here