March 15th is not primarily mother's day. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Today March 15th is Mothering Sunday. Read below and learn the differences.

During the 16th century (1500s), Christians in England had a tradition on the 4th Sunday of Lent to return to their “mother church”, the main church or cathedral where they were baptized or where their family belonged.

Many people working as servants or apprentices were given the day off to visit their home church. When they traveled home, they also visited their mothers and families.

They often brought flowers or a special cake for their mothers. Because of this custom, the day gradually shifted from honoring the mother church to also honoring mothers themselves.

Summary

Original purpose: Visiting the mother church during the 4th Sunday of Lent

Later meaning: Celebrating mothers and motherhood

MAKE SURE YOU MAKE YOUR FINDINGS TOO.