Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, celebrated on various days worldwide, most commonly in March, April, or May. It complements similar observances like Father’s Day, Parents’ Day, and Grandparents’ Day.
In many countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and several Asian nations, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May. However, exceptions exist. The UK and Ireland celebrate it on the fourth Sunday in Lent, while Arab countries often observe it on March 21st, coinciding with the vernal equinox. Many Eastern European countries align Mother’s Day with International Women’s Day on March 8th. French-speaking countries typically celebrate it on the last Sunday of May, although France observes it on the first Sunday of June if the last Sunday of May falls on Pentecost.
Bouquet of pink flowers for Mother's Day
This global variation in dates often leads to the question, “Is today Mother’s Day?” A quick online search or checking a calendar can confirm the date for your specific location. Remembering this special day is important, as it’s a time to express appreciation for the significant role mothers play in our lives.
While the origins of Mother’s Day celebrations vary across cultures, many countries have adopted traditions from the American holiday, such as gifting carnations and other presents. The significance of the celebration also differs. In some cultures, neglecting to acknowledge Mother’s Day is considered offensive, while in others, it’s a less prominent occasion.
The spelling of “Mother’s Day” often causes confusion. While grammatically, “Mothers’ Day” might seem correct as a plural possessive, the widely accepted spelling is “Mother’s Day,” treating it as a singular possessive. This convention has become the standard usage, despite the grammatical nuance.