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History of Mother’s Day: Why We Celebrate and How it Began

History of Mother’s Day: Why We Celebrate and How it Began

The history of Mother’s Day is more interesting than many of us realise. We generally understand it, and most of us participate in the modern-day version, but we don’t often consider its origins. It’s also a Sunday-only celebration, changing dates each year.

In the UK calendar, the date for Mother’s Day moves depending on Easter, which is why it never seems to fall at the same time. For those already planning, when is Mother’s Day 2026? It will be celebrated on Sunday, 15th March 2026. But beyond dates and reminders, there’s a much deeper story behind the celebration.

We thought we could explore the history of Mother’s Day together, as this can only enhance its meaning and our understanding. Perhaps we don’t consider how the tradition began in the UK, why we celebrate it today, and how Mother’s Day traditions have evolved here in the UK and elsewhere.

How Did Mother’s Day Start in the UK?

If you’ve ever wondered, the answer goes back hundreds of years. The origin of Mother’s Day in the UK was previously called Mothering Sunday. Many people still recognise and use this term to describe the day. Traditionally celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, it was originally a religious occasion. People would return to their “mother church”, the main church or cathedral in their area, for a special service.

Over time, this day also became an opportunity for families to reunite. Many people who moved away or worked away from home were given the day off to visit their families. It gradually came to be associated with honouring mothers and spending time together.

So, when asking how Mother’s Day began in Britain, it wasn’t initially about cards and gifts or even the “Mother” we might initially think of. It was about returning home.

The modern celebration we recognise today, with gifts, flowers, and cards, developed much later and was partly influenced by the American Mother’s Day, which became official in the early 20th century.

So why do we celebrate Mother’s Day now? Simply put, it’s evolved into a day dedicated to appreciating mothers and maternal figures, recognising their input, influence and presence in our lives. While it might be slightly more commercial these days, its message remains the same: make time with Mum to visit or reconnect, especially if it’s been a while. This is the occasion to do it.

When is Mother’s Day Celebrated in the UK?

As we’ve already noted, in the UK, Mother’s Day falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent each year, so the date changes annually. When’s Mother’s Day 2026 in the UK? For those planning: The 2026 Mother’s Day celebration will take place on Sunday, 15th March 2026. Because it is tied to the Christian calendar and Easter, the Mother’s Day 2026 date differs from that in countries such as the USA, where it is celebrated in May. Its religious origins mean it still follows the Lent calendar rather than a fixed spring date.

What are the Mother’s Day Traditions?

Over time, Mother’s Day traditions in the UK have shifted from religious observance to family celebration. In the UK, popular Mother’s Day traditions include:

  • Giving flowers, especially spring blooms
  • Sharing cards with heartfelt messages
  • Preparing breakfast in bed
  • Hosting an afternoon tea
  • Giving thoughtful gifts or hampers
  • Spending quality time together

It’s not an exhaustive list, though, and there is always room to think of gifts or activities that are more unusual but mean something to the two of you. Mother’s Day traditions around the world While the UK celebrates in March, other countries have their own customs.

  • USA, Canada, Australia, and many more celebrate on the second Sunday in May. They share similar traditions such as gatherings, flowers and breakfast in bed.
  • France and Sweden, however, celebrate on the last Sunday in May. Flowers and gifts are popular, as are handmade cards and family meals.
  • Argentina, unlike other South American countries, celebrates on the 3 rd Sunday in October. They might typically include a large family gathering for a barbecue as well as heartfelt gifts.
  • Russia, notably, celebrates on the last Sunday of November, with a clear family focus and school activities to honour mothers and mothers-to-be.

These Mother’s Day traditions around the world share a common theme: taking time to recognise the role mothers play in family life, even if the dates and details differ.

Make Mother’s Day Memorable this Year with Hay Hampers

Understanding the history of Mother’s Day reminds us that the celebration has always been about connection and helping us reconnect when we’ve become separated by distance or busy lives. In the UK, on Mother’s Day, many families choose meaningful gifts to mark the occasion. Carefully selected Mother’s Day gifts, particularly beautifully presented hampers, offer a way to create a moment she can enjoy long after the day itself. The beauty of a hamper lies in the variety it can include and how its components complement each other.

At Hay Hampers, our Mother’s Day collection includes everything from classic British afternoon tea selections to modern, popular hampers featuring Prosecco, coffee, or hot chocolate. You can explore our full Mother’s Day collection to find something that feels just right for Mum.

If you’d like to read more about how the celebration differs globally, you might enjoy our guide to International Mother’s Day, or discover further inspiration for compiling your gift in our article on what to put in a Mother’s Day hamper. Whether you’re learning about the history of Mother’s Day or planning this year’s celebration, it’s the thought behind the gesture that truly makes the day special and memorable.