Mother's Day 2021 UK Date: When Is Mother's Day, Why Is It Celebrated On A Different Day?

GMB: Dr Hilary reads his mum a Mother's Day poem

We all love treating our mums, but Mothering Sunday is a great excuse to make a real fuss and go all-out. Every year, the occasion falls on a different date, which can lead to some confusion about when Mother's Day actually is. In the UK, Mother's Day usually falls on a Sunday in March, however, across the pond Americans usually celebrate in May. Here’s all you need to know about Mother’s Day 2021.

• Morrisons launch £12 dinner meal deal just in time for Mother’s Day
• Next day delivery Mother’s Day cards - the best last minute cards

When is Mother's Day 2021 in the UK?

In Britain, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, March 14, 2021.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The name is derived from the Christian observation of Mothering Sunday, however, it has been commercialised over the years, much like many Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

Unfortunately, Britain will still be in lockdown for this year’s occasion, but it’ll still be possible to celebrate, even if it’s virtually.

READ MORE: M&S launch Mother’s Day food meal deal for just £20

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

When is Mother's Day 2021 and why do we celebrate it? (Image: getty)

Mother's Day: The occasion is just around the corner (Image: getty)

• Princess Beatrice to miss Mother's Day with Eugenie and Fergie

What is Mother’s Day and why do we celebrate it?

Mother's Day is an annual celebration which honours mothers, grandmothers and all of the maternal figures in our lives.

Mothering Sunday is a historic day when those who practise Christianity visited their ‘mother church’, meaning the church they were baptised and/or christened at.

Mothering Sunday also falls across Mid-Lent Sunday, otherwise known as Refreshment Sunday.

Mother's Day: The day has been modernised and commercialised (Image: getty)

Mid-Lent Sunday is a day considered as a halfway break during the Christian period of Lent, which is of course the run-up to Easter, a celebration of Jesus Christ.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

An English woman named Constance Adelaide Smith modernised the occasion back in 1913, to honour not only the mother church but all mothering figures such as Mary, the mother of Jesus and Mother Nature.

Since then, Mothering Sunday gained popularity in the UK due to its link to motherhood and has since evolved into a celebration of all maternal figures.

Mother's Day is now a day when children honour and give gifts to those who care for them.

DON'T MISS: 

How to clean glass oven door - why NOT to use baking soda and vinegar [CLEANING HACK]Phillip Schofield net worth: This Morning presenter’s huge fortune [INTERESTING]Quietest time to supermarket shop at Aldi, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's [NOTED]

Mother's Day: It originated as a religious occasion that had nothing to do with family (Image: getty)

• Tesco’s meal deal for £10 is perfect for Mother’s Day

Since the early 1900s, the day has lost the majority of its link to religion and is more of a commercialised family day.

Why does the date change each year?

As Mother's Day comes from Mothering Sunday, the celebration falls on a Sunday every year, much like Easter.

In Britain, we celebrate the occasion based on the patterns set by Easter and Lent, which is determined by the lunar calendar.

Your daily horoscope with Russell Grant plus selected offers and competitions Subscribe Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Mother's Day: What will you be gifting your mum? (Image: getty)

The day always falls on the fourth Sunday during the period of Lent, which is when people tend to give up or sacrifice something in the run-up to Easter.

This means in 2021, Easter falls on March 14 here in the UK.

In the US, they don’t have religious links to the occasion meaning that theirs isn’t determined by Easter.

In America, Mother's Day is held on the second Sunday in May, so it also varies by date.

Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Comments Most Read Most Commented Latest videos Death in Paradise season 15 start date, new cast and episode count as drama returns to BBC When is Fallout episode 7 and 8 coming out? Who is Ser Arlan of Pennytree in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? Millions of UK households facing horror rise of up to £2,124 - ‘mortgage shock’ Carol Kirkwood's statement in full after announcing she's leaving BBC Breakfast Primark, River Island, Superdrug and more stores closing in 2026 - full list 'I'm a pet expert and these five types of people should never own a dog' Iconic British shoe brand could close 33 stores with 400 jobs at risk — full list of areas Twenty of the most popular British baby names in 1926 that are still loved by parents Sainsbury's offering 50% off food staples — but only for certain customers Pretty ‘hidden’ village is also one of Britain’s 'poshest' with homes averaging £410,000 Iconic high-street store is closing and it's a travesty for one generation Plastic surgeon's simple skincare steps can make you look 5 years younger I did a sage cleanse — there's one thing I wasn't prepared for Iconic British charity shop to close 88 stores in 2026 — full list of affected areas Husband’s affair led to his death that wife tried to blame on a horse UK households urged to wash clothes at one temperature in February Dog behaviourist shares easy method to stop pets jumping up 'for good' Win £200 Shopping Vouchers Vet shares 4 signs your dog is experiencing hypothermia in January The 10 safest towns and cities to live in the UK — full list The 5 'best' cat breeds for first time owners according to vet Pretty village in England with 12 ghosts - and 'UK's most haunted' pub Woman shares £2.50 hack that removes stains from carpets instantly ‘Very best’ barber-grade razor now £13 as shoppers praise the ‘most wonderful shave’ 5 types of people that 'shouldn't own a dog' according to a trainer Royal Mail issues urgent warning to anyone living in 121 postcodes The gorgeous UK market town that's been named the best to retire in I quit drinking alcohol 16 months ago — there’s one thing nobody tells you Top 10 'memorable' dog names trending across the UK in 2026 Tesco announces major crackdown as changes to hit 40 stores in the UK Best supermarket for meal deals named by shoppers — it's not Tesco 8 iconic UK shops that thrived in 2016 but have since vanished from the high street Dogs don't get car sick when you do exercise at home before driving Psychologist reveals secret to successfully quitting bad habits and making changes stick 'I'm a vet and there's 1 breed that's more aggressive than a pitbull' Reading crowned top hobby trend for 2026, driving resurgence in screen-free activities

Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

Keep me updated No thanks