Countdown to Mother's Day
When is Mother's Day? Date, facts & history →Countdown Location
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Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers, motherhood, and the influence of mothers in society. In the United States, Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday of May, though the exact date varies by country, with many nations choosing their own day across the calendar. It is a time to express love and gratitude through cards, flowers, gifts, and shared meals.
Whether you are arranging a brunch, a bouquet, or a surprise visit, the countdown above shows exactly how much time remains until the next Mother's Day in the US. Because the holiday is so widely observed, it is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants and florists.
When is Mother's Day?
In the United States, Mother's Day is always the second Sunday of May, so the calendar date shifts each year while the rule stays fixed. The date varies by country: the United Kingdom marks Mothering Sunday in March, while many other nations choose different dates. Use the countdown above for the US date, and try our date duration calculator or holiday timer to plan ahead.
History and origins of Mother's Day
The modern US holiday was created by Anna Jarvis, who held a memorial for her mother in 1908 and then campaigned for a national day honoring mothers. Her efforts succeeded in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation establishing the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day. Jarvis later grew dismayed by the holiday's commercialization. Many countries have older or separate traditions, such as the Christian observance of Mothering Sunday in the United Kingdom.
How Mother's Day is observed
- Giving carnations, the traditional flower of the holiday.
- Sending cards and handwritten notes of appreciation.
- Family brunches, dinners, and gatherings.
- Breakfast in bed and homemade gifts from children.
- Phone calls and visits to mothers and grandmothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mother's Day in the United States?
In the US, Mother's Day is always the second Sunday of May, so the date changes each year.
Is Mother's Day the same date everywhere?
No. The date varies by country. The US and many others use the second Sunday of May, while the UK observes Mothering Sunday in March.
Who started Mother's Day?
Anna Jarvis is credited with founding the modern American Mother's Day, which became official in 1914.
What flower symbolizes Mother's Day?
The carnation is the traditional flower, with colored carnations honoring living mothers and white ones remembering those who have passed.
Is Mother's Day a public holiday in the US?
No. Mother's Day is widely celebrated but is not a federal public holiday, so businesses generally remain open.