CELEBRATING MUMS
Why is Mother’s Day on a different date in every country?
The special occasion is celebrated in different ways across the globe
MOTHER'S Day is a celebration of mums and mother figures across the globe.
However the occasion is marked on different days all around the world.
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Why is Mother's Day on a different date in every country?
Mother’s Day is an international celebration honouring mothers and their influence in society.
The date of Mother's Day changes from country to country but always falls on a Sunday.
It has been celebrated since the 16th century with some countries giving it a religious meaning - which, however, has been gradually lost over the years.
The holiday, formerly known as Mothering Sunday, was traditionally a day on which Christians were encouraged to visit their “mother church” during Lent.
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In the UK, Mother's Day is still associated with Lent and is always on the fourth Sunday after Ash Wednesday.
The date in Spain is also based on religious reasons.
It was celebrated on December 8, the festival of the Virgin of Immaculate Conception, but was moved to the first Sunday in May, the month of the Virgin Mary.
In other countries, the date is based on seasons or times of the year, rather than religious festivities.
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In the United States, Mother's Day is a much newer celebration - and is just to do wth mums.
The US and several other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and Ukraine, enjoy Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May.
Britain’s cheapest shop where you can buy your mum a Mother’s Day card and gift for just 40p
The date was chosen after American founder, Anna Jarvis, introduced the idea for celebrating mothers after the death of her own mum on May 9, 1905.
By 1911 every US state observed Mother's Day, with President Woodrow Wilson announcing it would always be celebrated on the second Sunday in May in 1914.
In the Middle East, the celebration first started in Egypt in 1956, and it is now celebrated on the first day of spring.
In China, Mother's Day used to be a day to help poor mothers and to remind people of mothers in rural areas.
It falls on the fourth month of the lunar calendar, but is often celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
In France the occasion is celebrated on the last Sunday of May.
However, if it coincides with Pentecost Day, it is moved to the first Sunday of June.
When is Mother's Day around the world?
Around the globe, Mother's Day is celebrated on different days throughout the year.
In the UK, Mother's Day is always held on the fourth Sunday of Lent, and in 2024 is taking place on March 10.
Other countries celebrating Mother's Day in 2024 include:
- US - May 12
- Australia - May 12
- Ireland - March 10
- France - May 26
- Spain - May 5
- Italy - May 12
- Portugal - May 5
- Middle East - March 21
- Hungary - May 5
- Germany - May 12
- Austria - May 12
- Switzerland - May 12
- Greece and Cyprus - May 12
How is Mother's Day celebrated?
Many children make handmade cards for their mums on Mother's Day as well as cooking them breakfast in bed.
Often gifts of flowers, chocolate and jewellery are also given, as well as a card.
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Older children might take their mums out for coffee, lunch or dinner - others will cook a homemade meal.
There is no set way to celebrate but the emphasis is on doing what makes your mum happy.
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
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