In the United States, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May because that date was established as the national observance in 1914, following campaigning by advocates including Anna Jarvis.
How the U.S. rule became official
On May 8, 1914, a joint resolution designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. President Woodrow Wilson issued Proclamation 1268 on May 9, inviting public observance and displays of the American flag. The first national observance under that proclamation fell on May 10, 1914.
Why Anna Jarvis matters
Anna Jarvis helped organize commemorations honoring her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, in West Virginia and promoted a national day recognizing mothers. Her preferred May observance became part of the tradition that spread through communities and states before the 1914 federal action.
How to find the date each year
Look at a May calendar and identify the second Sunday. In 2027, Mother’s Day falls on May 9; in 2028, it falls on May 14. The month and weekday stay fixed, while the numbered date changes.
What about other countries?
The U.S. observance is not universal. The United Kingdom’s Mothering Sunday is tied to the Christian season of Lent and usually occurs in March, so a worldwide calendar must specify the country.
Frequently asked questions
Is U.S. Mother’s Day always on a Sunday? Yes, the second Sunday in May.
Is Mother’s Day a fixed May date? No. It moves within May because the rule specifies a weekday.
Further reading: President Wilson’s Mother’s Day proclamation (1914).
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