Mother’s Day is an annual holiday that honors mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and mother figures. In the United States, Canada, and Australia, people mark the day on the second Sunday in May. Families celebrate by getting together, sending flowers, sharing meals, and giving handmade gifts to show their love and thanks.

What is Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day is a special day to say thanks to mothers and mother figures. Around the world, people use this day to show love for the care and guidance mothers give every day.

While flowers, cards, and meals are popular gifts, the real goal of the day is personal connection. Children and adults take time to call, visit, or make simple gifts for the women who raised them.

The day honors all kinds of maternal roles. Stepmothers, foster mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and mentors are all recognized for the warmth and support they bring to their homes.

How the holiday began

The modern holiday started through the work of Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s. After her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis died in 1905, Anna wanted a special day to honor all mothers.

Ann Reeves Jarvis had set up Mothers’ Day Work Clubs in the 1850s to improve health and save young children. Later in 1870, Julia Ward Howe wrote a Mother’s Day Proclamation asking women to work for peace.

On 10 May 1908, Anna Jarvis held the first official Mother’s Day service at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. She gave out white carnations as a symbol of pure motherly love.

The idea grew fast across the country. On 8 May 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed an official law making the second Sunday in May a national holiday to honor mothers.

Yet Anna Jarvis soon grew angry with how card shops and flower sellers used the day for profit. By the 1920s, she spent her own money and time fighting against turning the holiday into big business.

When is Mother’s Day celebrated around the world?

The date for Mother’s Day depends on the country. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the day falls on the second Sunday in May. Since it follows a weekday rule, the exact date changes each year.

In the United Kingdom, people mark Christian Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday in Lent, usually in March. This tradition started in the 1500s when workers went back to their home parish, or mother church, once a year.

Other countries pick fixed calendar dates instead of floating Sundays. Mexico and much of Latin America celebrate on 10 May every year. Thailand celebrates on 12 August to honor the birthday of Queen Sirikit.

Some lands link their day to local seasons or old customs. In Ethiopia, families join a three-day feast called Antrosht at the end of the rainy fall season. Norway celebrates on the second Sunday in February.

Global traditions and celebrations

Around the world, people celebrate mothers with local customs. In Mexico, the day begins with early morning songs like Las Mañanitas outside mom’s door, followed by big family meals.

In Britain, families bake traditional simnel cake, a light fruitcake with marzipan, to share on Mothering Sunday. Children historically picked wild spring flowers on their walk home to give to their mothers.

In Thailand, children bow before their mothers to show deep respect and give white jasmine flowers as a sign of love. Towns hold events to give Public Recognition to women who help their communities.

In North America, breakfast in bed is a favorite morning surprise from young kids. Families also enjoy park walks, family dinners, and sharing homemade photo books.

Honoring every form of motherhood

Today Mother’s Day honors all types of family bonds. The day brings warmth and thanks to stepmothers, foster mothers, adoptive moms, grandmothers, and mentors who care for others.

Stepmothers build close bonds while guiding young family members. Foster mothers offer safe homes and steady love during hard times, helping children grow with care.

Grandmothers and older mentors share family stories and wise advice with young people. Celebrating every caring figure makes sure no one is left out on this happy day.

Mother’s Day Dates

This year Mother’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, May 10, 2026

Year	Date	Day
2026	May 10	Sunday
2027	May 09	Sunday
2028	May 14	Sunday
2029	May 13	Sunday
2030	May 12	Sunday
2031	May 11	Sunday

How to mark the day

Showing love and appreciation does not require expensive gifts. Here are simple ways to honor the mothers and mother figures in your life.