Mother's Day (United States)

Mother's Day
Examples of handmade Mother's Day gifts
Observed byUnited States
TypeCommercial, cultural, religious
ObservancesHoliday card and gift giving, churchgoing accompanied by the distribution of carnations, and family dinners
DateSecond Sunday in May
2024 dateMay 12  (2024-05-12)
2025 dateMay 11  (2025-05-11)
2026 dateMay 10  (2026-05-10)
2027 dateMay 9  (2027-05-09)
FrequencyAnnual
Related toFather's Day

Mother's Day is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States on the second Sunday in May. Mother's Day recognizes mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well as their positive contributions to their families and society. It was established by Anna Jarvis, with the first Mother's Day celebrated through a service of worship at St. Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908. Popular observances include holiday card and gift giving, churchgoing often accompanied by the distribution of carnations, and family dinners. In the United States, Mother's Day complements similar celebrations honoring family members, such as Father's Day, Siblings Day and Grandparents Day.

Internationally, many Mother's Day celebrations have different origins and traditions, some also influenced by this more recent American tradition. For the international celebration, see Mother's Day.