If you have ever wondered why Mother's Day falls in March in the UK, but in May in the US — or why someone in Spain seems to be celebrating on a different Sunday altogether — the answer is simple: there is no single worldwide Mother's Day.
Different countries mark it on different dates, and for different reasons. In some places, the day grew out of church tradition. In others, it came from a modern campaign to honour mothers. So if you have family abroad, or you are sending cards across countries, it helps to know that "Mother's Day" does not mean exactly the same thing everywhere.
And yes — getting the date right can save you from an awkward "I thought it was next week" moment.
Mothering Sunday: why the UK does it differently
In the UK, what many people now call Mother's Day began as Mothering Sunday. Originally, it was not about cards, flowers, or gifts. It was part of the Christian calendar.
Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which means the date changes every year. In 2026, it falls on 15 March.
Traditionally, people would return to their "mother church" on that Sunday — the main church or cathedral in the area where they were raised. For many, especially young servants working away from home, it was also one of the few chances they had to visit their families. Over time, the day became linked not only with the church, but with going home to see your mother too.
That is why Mothering Sunday has always had a slightly different feel in Britain. Its roots are older, quieter, and more tied to home, family, and tradition. In some households, simnel cake was part of the custom. The whole occasion was less about buying something and more about returning to your roots.
Later, when the American idea of Mother's Day became popular, the two traditions gradually blended together. Britain kept its own date — the fourth Sunday of Lent — but the meaning shifted into the broader celebration of mums that we know today.
So while many of us now celebrate with cards and kind messages, the UK's version still sits on top of that older tradition.
The American story: Anna Jarvis and the May date
In the United States, Mother's Day has a very different history.
The modern American version is closely associated with Anna Jarvis, who organised a memorial for her mother in West Virginia in 1908. She wanted there to be a special day to honour mothers and the sacrifices they made for their families. She campaigned tirelessly, writing to public figures, churches, and politicians, and eventually her efforts paid off.
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day in the United States.
What makes the story especially interesting is what happened afterwards. Anna Jarvis became deeply unhappy with how commercial the day became. She had imagined something personal and sincere — a visit, a handwritten note, a heartfelt gesture. Instead, Mother's Day quickly became tied to flowers, cards, and gift-buying, which she strongly opposed.
So the modern version of Mother's Day in many countries is, ironically, much more commercial than the woman behind it ever wanted.
Still, the date stuck — and the second Sunday in May is now widely used not only in the US, but in many other countries too.
Mother's Day dates around the world
One of the easiest ways to get caught out is to assume everyone celebrates on the same day. They do not.
Here is a simple guide to some of the better-known dates:
- UK, Ireland, and some others: fourth Sunday of Lent
- US, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, India, Japan, Brazil, South Africa and many more: second Sunday in May
- Spain, Portugal, Hungary: first Sunday in May
- France: last Sunday in May, unless it clashes with Pentecost, when it moves to the first Sunday in June
- Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala: fixed date of 10 May
- Thailand: 12 August
- Indonesia: 22 December
So Mother's Day is not one single global event. It is really a mix of local custom, religion, and modern tradition.
If your family is spread across different countries, it is completely possible to have two Mother's Days on your calendar — and both be correct.
Why this matters when you are sending a card
For families and friends living in different parts of the world, these changing dates matter more than people realise.
You might be celebrating Mothering Sunday here in the UK, while your relatives in America are still weeks away from their Mother's Day. Or you may have family in Europe, where the date could fall on yet another Sunday. It does not mean anyone is early or late — it simply means they are following the tradition that fits where they live.
That is really the lovely part of it. The date may change, and the history may differ, but the heart of the day stays much the same: taking a moment to say thank you.
Whether it is rooted in Mothering Sunday, shaped by Anna Jarvis's campaign, or observed on a completely different day elsewhere in the world, the meaning is still familiar. It is about appreciation, love, and remembering to say the words that often get lost in everyday life.
And usually, that is what matters most — not how much you spend, but that you thought of them at all.
If you would like to send something thoughtful this year, take a look at our Mother's Day eCards and postcards. They are easy to personalise and simple to send, whether your Mother's Day falls in March, May, or another date entirely.