When Is Mother’s Day? A Complete Guide to Dates Around the World

Higher Praise

If you’ve ever wished your mum a happy Mother’s Day only to be told “that was last month” — you’re not alone.

Mother’s Day isn’t a universal date. Different countries celebrate on different days, and the reasons go back centuries. Some follow religious calendars. Others chose dates with historical significance. A few simply adopted the American model.

Here’s everything you need to know about when Mother’s Day falls around the world — and why the dates differ so dramatically.

Quick Answer: When Is Mother’s Day 2026?

United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: Sunday, May 10, 2026

United Kingdom and Ireland: Sunday, March 15, 2026 (Mothering Sunday)

Arab World (UAE, Egypt, Jordan): Saturday, March 21, 2026

Most countries follow the American date — the second Sunday in May. But several major regions celebrate on completely different days.

Mother’s Day Dates by Country (2026)

February

March

May

Other Months

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Mother’s Day in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is called Mothering Sunday and falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent — a date that changes each year based on Easter.

The tradition dates back to the 16th century, when Christians would return to their “mother church” (the main church or cathedral where they were baptised) for a special service. Domestic servants and apprentices, who typically lived away from home for work, were given this day off to visit their families.

Over time, the religious observance blended with family celebration. Children would pick wildflowers along the way to give to their mothers. Simnel cake — a fruit cake with marzipan topped with 11 balls representing the apostles (minus Judas) — became a traditional treat.

In 2026, Mothering Sunday falls on March 15. In 2027, it will be March 7.

Is Mother’s Day the Same in the UK and USA?

No. The UK and US celebrate Mother’s Day on completely different dates with different origins.

The UK’s Mothering Sunday is tied to the Christian calendar and moves with Easter. The US Mother’s Day is fixed to the second Sunday in May and has no religious connection.

Many British people now use “Mother’s Day” and “Mothering Sunday” interchangeably, though traditionalists maintain the distinction.

Is It Mother’s Day in Zimbabwe Today?

Zimbabwe celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, following the American model.

In 2026, Mother’s Day in Zimbabwe falls on Sunday, May 10 — the same day as the United States, Australia, Canada, and most other countries worldwide.

Mother’s Day is not a public holiday in Zimbabwe, but families mark the occasion with flowers, gifts, cards, and special gatherings to honour mothers and mother figures.

Can Muslims Celebrate Mother’s Day?

This is a debated question within Islamic scholarship, with opinions ranging from permissible to prohibited.

Those who say it’s permissible argue that Mother’s Day is a cultural practice, not a religious festival. Islam strongly emphasises honouring mothers — the Prophet Muhammad said paradise lies at the feet of mothers. The intention is to show gratitude, which Islam encourages. As long as celebrations don’t involve anything haram (forbidden), participating is acceptable.

Those who say it’s not permissible argue that Islam recognises only two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) as festivals. Celebrating other days is bid’ah (innovation). It imitates non-Muslim Western customs. Islam commands honouring mothers every day, not just one day per year.

The balanced view held by scholars like Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi suggests that Muslims can use Mother’s Day as a reminder to show extra appreciation, provided they don’t treat it as a religious obligation, continue honouring their mothers throughout the year, avoid any haram practices in their celebrations, and don’t neglect the comprehensive rights Islam gives mothers.

Most Islamic scholars agree on one point: whether or not you mark Mother’s Day, Islam demands that you honour, obey, and care for your mother every single day — not just once a year.

Why Are Mother’s Day Dates Different Around the World?

Mother’s Day developed independently in different cultures, often with distinct origins.

Religious calendars: The UK’s Mothering Sunday is tied to Lent and Easter, so it moves each year.

Historical events: Some countries chose dates commemorating specific moments — Bolivia celebrates on May 27 to honour women who fought in a battle.

Cultural adoption: Many countries simply adopted the American date when Mother’s Day spread globally in the 20th century.

Existing traditions: Some nations linked Mother’s Day to existing celebrations — Costa Rica celebrates on the Feast of the Assumption, while several Arab countries chose the spring equinox.

Political decisions: A few countries, like North Korea, don’t officially celebrate Mother’s Day at all.

Is Mother’s Day a Religious Holiday?

It depends on the country and tradition.

In the UK, Mothering Sunday has religious roots — it began as a day to visit one’s “mother church.” Many British churches still hold special services, and the date is determined by the Christian calendar (fourth Sunday of Lent).

In the US, Mother’s Day is entirely secular. Anna Jarvis, who founded the modern holiday in 1908, wanted a day to honour mothers’ sacrifices — not a religious observance. President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday in 1914 with no religious component.

In Catholic countries, some nations link Mother’s Day to Marian feast days — Panama celebrates on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), Costa Rica on the Assumption (August 15).

In most of the world, Mother’s Day is now a secular, cultural celebration with no religious requirements — though many families incorporate faith elements like church attendance or prayers of thanksgiving.

Who Invented Mother’s Day?

The modern American Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis of West Virginia.

In 1908, three years after her own mother’s death, Anna organised the first official Mother’s Day celebration at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. She chose the second Sunday of May because it was close to the anniversary of her mother’s death.

Anna campaigned tirelessly for national recognition. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed Mother’s Day into law as a national holiday.

Ironically, Jarvis later became the holiday’s fiercest critic. She despised how commercial it became — florists, card companies, and sweet shops profiting from sentiment she intended to be personal and heartfelt. She spent much of her later life (and fortune) trying to have Mother’s Day rescinded. She failed. Mother’s Day became one of the most commercially successful holidays worldwide.

Earlier traditions honouring mothers existed in many cultures: ancient Greeks celebrated Rhea, mother of the gods; Romans held festivals for Cybele, a mother goddess; medieval Christians observed Mothering Sunday; Julia Ward Howe proposed a “Mother’s Day for Peace” in 1870. But the holiday as we know it today — second Sunday in May, cards, flowers, brunch — traces directly to Anna Jarvis.

Upcoming Mother’s Day Dates (2026-2030)

United States, Canada, Australia (Second Sunday in May)

United Kingdom, Ireland (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

Arab World (Fixed: March 21)

What Does the Bible Say About Honouring Mothers?

Whatever date your country celebrates, the biblical call to honour mothers remains constant.

The fifth commandment makes it explicit:

Exodus 20:12 — “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”

This command appears again in the New Testament:

Ephesians 6:2-3 — “‘Honour your father and mother’ — which is the first commandment with a promise — ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'”

Honouring mothers isn’t a cultural tradition or commercial invention. It’s a biblical command with promised blessing.

Proverbs celebrates the godly mother:

Proverbs 31:28 — “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Proverbs 23:22 — “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”

And Scripture acknowledges a mother’s irreplaceable comfort:

Isaiah 66:13 — “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”

Whether you celebrate in March, May, or any other month — honouring your mother pleases God.

A Prayer for Mothers Everywhere

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of mothers.

Thank You for those who carried us, nurtured us, and shaped us into who we are. Thank You for their sacrifices — seen and unseen — and for their love that never stopped giving.

On this day, wherever in the world it falls, we honour the mothers in our lives. Bless them with health, joy, and the knowledge that they are loved.

For those who have lost their mothers, bring comfort. For those who long to be mothers, bring hope. For those whose relationships with their mothers are broken, bring healing.

May we honour our mothers not just on one day, but every day — as Your word commands and as their love deserves.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.