Happy Mother's Day 2018! Which Countries Are Celebrating ...

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YOU may have heard people talking about the upcoming Mother’s Day on social media – but don’t panic, it’s a different date in the United States.

Here’s when the American Mother’s Day is happening, and why it’s a different date to the UK…

When is Mother’s Day 2018 in the US?

This year, the US Mother’s Day falls on Sunday May 13.

It’s always held on the second Sunday in May, and in 2019 it will fall on Sunday May 12.

But don’t panic, we’ve already celebrated here in Britain – so you’re off the hook for May.

Mother’s Day 2018 fell on Sunday March 11 for us Brits.

Which other countries celebrate on the US date?

The US Mother’s Day date is widely observed across parts of Europe, South America, Asia and even Africa.

COUNTRIES CELEBRATING MOTHER'S DAY ON MAY 13

Anguilla, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas

Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda

Bonaire, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia

Croatia, Cuba, Curaasao, Czech Republic, Ecuador

Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Grenada

Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Italy, Jamaica

Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Peru

Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa

Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago

Turkey, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zimba

Why does the UK have a different Mother’s Day?

In the UK, Mothering Sunday’s origins have nothing to do with mums at all – it was a day for Christians to visit their “mother” church.

Traditionally, domestic servants were given the day off to return to their hometown and worship with their families.

On their way home, these youths would pick wild flowers to place in the church – or give to their mums.

The US event was launched separately and was not linked to religion but was dedicated entirely to mothers.

In America, Mother’s Day was established in 1914 – thanks to campaigns by the mums’ groups which were established during the Civil War.

Anna Jarvis, the leader of this movement, campaigned for a May date in memory of her own mum – who had died during that month.

President Woodrow Wilson formalised the date, but Anna later became frustrated with the commercialisation around Mother’s Day.

She believed the original sentiment of love and family had been sacrificed for profit.

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She said: “A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world.”

Many other countries have since adopted America’s date.

Here in Britain, Mother’s Day always falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent.