Mother's Day is a special day dedicated to honoring and appreciating mothers and motherhood. The date of Mother's Day varies depending on the country and culture. In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May every year. This means that the exact date of Mother's Day can fall between May 8th and May 14th.
History of Mother’s Day
The concept of Mother’s Day originated in the United States in the late 19th century. Anna Jarvis is credited with founding Mother’s Day in 1908, when she held a memorial service for her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Anna’s mother had been a social activist who had worked to improve the lives of women and children. After her mother’s death, Anna campaigned to make Mother’s Day a national holiday, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making the second Sunday in May Mother’s Day.
Celebrating Mother’s Day Around the World
While the United States celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, other countries have their own unique traditions and dates for honoring mothers. For example, in the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent, which is exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday. In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th, and is known as Día de las Madres. In India, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, but it is not a traditional holiday in Indian culture.
| Country | Date of Mother's Day |
|---|---|
| United States | Second Sunday in May |
| United Kingdom | Fourth Sunday in Lent |
| Mexico | May 10th |
| India | Second Sunday in May |
In addition to the United States, many other countries celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May. These countries include Australia, Canada, and Germany, among others. In these countries, Mother's Day is typically celebrated with gift-giving, family gatherings, and special meals.
How to Determine the Exact Date of Mother’s Day
To determine the exact date of Mother’s Day in a given year, you can use the following steps:
- Determine the year for which you want to find the date of Mother's Day.
- Find the date of the first Sunday in May for that year.
- Add seven days to the date of the first Sunday in May to find the date of the second Sunday in May.
For example, if the first Sunday in May falls on May 1st, then Mother's Day would be celebrated on May 8th (May 1st + 7 days). If the first Sunday in May falls on May 2nd, then Mother's Day would be celebrated on May 9th (May 2nd + 7 days).
What is the origin of Mother’s Day?
+Mother’s Day originated in the United States in the late 19th century, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial service for her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia.
How is Mother’s Day celebrated around the world?
+Mother’s Day is celebrated differently around the world, with unique traditions and dates in various countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent, while in Mexico, it is celebrated on May 10th.
How can I find the exact date of Mother’s Day in a given year?
+To find the exact date of Mother’s Day in a given year, you can use a calendar or search online for “Mother’s Day [year]”. Alternatively, you can determine the date of the first Sunday in May and add seven days to find the date of the second Sunday in May.
