Mother’s Day is a special day dedicated to celebrating and honoring mothers and motherhood. It is a day when people express their love, gratitude, and appreciation for their mothers and maternal figures. While it is widely celebrated across the globe, the history of Mother’s Day varies from country to country. Let’s explore the history of Mother’s Day in the UK and some interesting facts about the holiday worldwide

Mother’s Day in the UK:

In the UK, Mother’s Day, also known as Mothering Sunday, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Its origin can be traced back to the 16th century when people would return to their “mother” church, or the church they were baptized in. This practice evolved over time, and by the 19th century, it had become a day when domestic servants were given a day off to visit their families.

The modern-day Mother’s Day in the UK is said to have been inspired by the American version of the holiday. In 1908, Anna Jarvis, a peace activist from the US, campaigned for a day to honor mothers after her own mother’s death. The campaign gained momentum, and by 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the US. The UK adopted the holiday and started celebrating it on the same day as the US until the 1950s, when it was moved to the fourth Sunday of Lent.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in the UK by giving gifts and flowers, sending cards, or sharing quality time with mothers and maternal figures. It is also a day when whole families get together and have a special meal to honor the mothers in their lives.

Interesting facts about Mother’s Day internationally:

Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates worldwide. For instance, in Japan, it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, while in Thailand, it is celebrated on August 12th, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the mother of the nation.

In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated in the fall, in a three-day festival called Antrosht. During the festival, children bring ingredients to cook a traditional dish for their mothers.

In Nepal, a special day called “Mata Tirtha Aunsi” is celebrated on the new moon day of April or May. On this day, mothers are honored and remembered by their children who offer food, clothing, and gifts.

In France, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in May. It is customary to give mothers a cake shaped like a flower, called “fleur en pâte d’amandes.”

In some countries like India and Iran, Mother’s Day is not an official holiday but is celebrated nonetheless. In Iran, it is celebrated on the anniversary of Fatima Zahra’s birth, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, while in India, it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

All in all, Mother’s Day is an important day across the globe, and while its origins and traditions may differ, the sentiment of celebrating and honoring mothers remains the same. Whether you celebrate it on the fourth Sunday of Lent in the UK or in August in Thailand, Mother’s Day is a day to express gratitude, love, and appreciation for the mothers and maternal figures in our lives.