Mother’s Day (Mothering Sunday)

With Mother’s Day around the corner, it's time to get in the spirit of honouring and celebrating your mum. Breakfast in bed, homemade crafts, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or a thoughtful Mother's Day gift - what are you treating your mother to this year?

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Mother’s Day gift ideas

When is Mother’s Day?

Mother's Day usually falls on a Sunday in March, but not always around the same time. In Ireland, the date is linked to Easter (Lent), which is different each year as it is determined by the lunar calendar. In 2024, Mother’s Day will fall on Sunday 10 March. In 2025, it falls on 30 March.

Mother’s Day and its Mothering Sunday origin

Mother’s Day is also known as Mothering Sunday in Ireland, and it originated hundreds of years ago. In the Middle Ages, it was a tradition to honour the Virgin Mary at the 'mother' church during Lent. This would always be the largest church in the area. While this tradition died out, Mothering Sunday remained on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Around 1920, the American way of celebrating Mother’s Day revived interest in Mothering Sunday in Ireland.

Mother’s Day traditions

Today in Ireland, Mothering Sunday - Mother's Day - is celebrated the same way as in the US, with cards, flowers, chocolates, presents and dining out.

Flowers
Flowers have been part of Mother’s Day since the 17th century. People would attend a prayer service in honour of the Virgin Mary, and then give their own mothers gifts and flowers. Carnations are regarded as traditional Mother’s Day flowers and symbolise motherhood, love, admiration and purity. Other popular Mother’s Day flowers are tulips, lilies and roses.

Simnel Cake
In the early days of celebrating Mother’s Day, it was customary for people in the UK to make their mother a simnel cake. Simnel cakes, which are also associated with Easter, traditionally feature 11 balls of marzipan icing representing 11 of the 12 Apostles.

Gifts
Mother's Day is a great day to spoil your mum with something thoughtful. This could be breakfast in bed, something handmade, her favourite chocolate bar, or a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift.

Mother’s Day gift ideas

In need of a little Mother's Day gift inspiration? Our gift finder is packed with great Mother's Day gifts.
Mother’s Day gift ideas

We wish you a happy Mother's Day!