Mother’s Day: Why is it celebrated on different dates around the world?

Mother's Day is a day to celebrate the relentless passion and love of our mothers who selflessly raise us.

Mother's Day is an opportunity to honour the pillars of our lives.

The day is celebrated on different dates throughout the world. Some countries celebrate it on the same date every year while in other places the date keeps changing, The National News reported.

In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day is being celebrated today on March 10 while in some Middle Eastern countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, it will be celebrated on March 21.

In the United States and India, it will be celebrated on May 12.

Why is it celebrated on different dates?

The reason for the different dates lies in the holiday's history. 

"Mothering Sunday" named after the Christian festival first began as a way to encourage people to come to their local "mother" church. The event was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent every year.

Over time, the meaning and holiday converted into a celebration of family bonds, especially with mothers.

By the 17th century, the tradition had lost its religious meaning and had converted into a day honouring mothers.

The UK and Ireland have continued with the tradition of celebrating the day on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

While in the US, the holiday was moved to the second Sunday of May in 1914.

Many countries such as India, New Zealand, and Australia celebrate it on the same day as the US.