Why does Mother’s Day occur on different dates in England and Italy? Mother’s Day is a time to honour mothers, yet the date of celebration differs depending on the country, reflecting history, culture, and tradition.
In England, Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday, has its roots in the Christian calendar. It was originally the fourth Sunday of Lent, when people returned to their “mother church” in their area. Over time, the religious observance evolved into a day to honour mothers and maternal care. Because it is tied to Lent, the date changes every year, usually falling in March, like this year, or early April..
In Italy, Mother’s Day (Festa della Mamma) is more modern and secular, inspired by international celebrations, particularly from the United States. It is always observed on the second Sunday of May, a fixed date that allows families and cultural events to celebrate consistently.
But beyond dates and traditions, what matters most is the lives and struggles of the mothers themselves. A mother’s work has always been difficult, yet for our mothers, it was especially challenging. They grew up in the shadow of war, entering adulthood in a world marked by scarcity, rationing, and reconstruction.
Sandra’s Italian mother was invited to England with her cousin to work as a nanny, navigating the challenges of starting a new life far from home.

My mother also came to England from Italy—invited by the man who would become my father—and both mothers eventually married as a result of encounters in this recovering country. In both cases, we were raised in post-war England, a society still facing very considerable shortages, yet thanks to their strength and determination, we not only survived but thrived.

We remain immensely proud of them. Their courage, resilience, and love allowed us to live in moderate plenty today, a stark contrast to the harsh realities they faced. Mother’s Day is, for us, a moment not only to remember and honour their sacrifices but to celebrate the enduring legacy of survival, hope, and love they left behind.