Mothers Day 2019 USA date: Why is Mothers Day different in UK and USA? What about Canada?

MOTHER’S DAY is coming up in a number of countries, almost two months after the UK. Why is mother’s Day different in the US and UK?

Mother’s Day in the UK this year was on March 31, with many families treating the women in their lives to presents, food and drink. The date in the UK shifts year on year, as it always takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This isn’t the same for a number of other countries, which will be celebrating Mother’s Day on May 12.

New mother Meghan Markle and husband Prince Harry paid tribute to all mothers via the sussexroyal Instagram account. 

They wrote: "Paying tribute to all mothers today - past, present, mothers-to-be, and those lost but forever remembered.

"We honour and celebrate each and every one of you.


Why is Mother’s Day different in the UK and USA?

Mother’s Day in the UK is held on Mothering Sunday.

The fourth Sunday of Lent was first used by Christians to visit their “mother” church - the main church or cathedral in the area - however over time the occasion is increasingly referred to as Mother’s Day.

The date is still officially known as Mothering Sunday in the UK, while the American secular holiday was originally referred to as Mother’s Day.


Mothers Day 2019 USA date Mothers Day date change UK USA Canada

Mothers Day 2019 USA date: Why is Mothers Day different in the UK and USA? What about Canada? (Image: GETTY)

The American Mother’s Day was not founded on religion and was established by Anna Jarvis in the 20th century.

The occasion was first celebrated by Ms Jarvis when she held a memorial for her mother Ann at St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia.

Her mother was a peace activist who established Mother’s Day workshops for public health, and Anna Jarvis began campaigns to make the day a national holiday in 1905.

Ms Jarvis was successful in 1914 when Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation for the date.


Church Mothering Sunday

Christians in the UK would go to church on Church Mothering Sunday (Image: GETTY)

He proclaimed Mother’s Day would fall on the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honour all mothers.

Carnations are most commonly associated with the holiday, as the flowers were favourites of Anna’s mother.

Many other countries now follow suit and observe the American date, despite not being part of the US.

Countries which now use the date include Canada, Italy, Greece and Australia.


Anna Jarvis Mother's Day

Anna Jarvis, the woman who invented Mother's Day (Image: GETTY)

When is Mother’s Day next year?

Many people will forget about Mother’s Day until the last second, but to make it a special occasion, you should plan ahead.

Mother’s Day 2020 in the UK is on March 22.

International Mother’s Day is on May 10 in 2020