Mother's Day and Father's Day are annual celebrations dedicated to honouring mothers and fathers (and mother- and father-figures) for their love, care and influence. While the spirit is similar worldwide, the dates and origins vary by country.
In the UK, Mother's Day is traditionally called Mothering Sunday, with roots in a centuries-old Christian tradition of returning to one's 'mother church'. It falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent (so the date changes each year), distinct from the fixed-date Mother's Day celebrated in the US and many other countries.
Father's Day has a more recent history, emerging in the early 20th century in the US as a counterpart to Mother's Day. In the UK and many other countries, it's celebrated on the third Sunday of June.
However and whenever you mark the day, the spirit is the same: showing appreciation for the parents and parent-figures in our lives. Our free Mother's Day and Father's Day ideas, and our celebration guide, help you mark the day thoughtfully.