Next: 7 Mar 2027
Mothering Sunday
The fourth Sunday of Lent in Britain: posies and cards for mothers, and simnel cake.
When is Mothering Sunday in 2027?
Mothering Sunday 2027 is on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Other years: 2026, Sunday, 15 March 2026; 2028, Sunday, 26 March 2028.
About Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent and has its roots in the custom of going back to one's "mother church", the main church of the area. Servants and young people who had moved away were allowed to go home that day, and often took a gift for their mother. Today it is a day to thank mothers and mother figures with flowers, especially posies of spring blooms and daffodils, cards and a family meal. Churches give out small bunches of flowers to all mothers. A simnel cake, a rich fruit cake topped with a layer of marzipan and eleven balls representing the apostles, was traditionally baked by girls in service and brought home. The relaxation of the Lenten fast on this day gave the cake its place.
Mothering Sunday dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Mothering Sunday date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, 15 March 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, 7 March 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday, 26 March 2028 |
What is eaten
- simnel cake
- roast lunch
Traditions of Mothering Sunday
Also part of it, and being written: Simnel cake (The marzipan-topped fruit cake.), Mother church (The idea behind the day.).
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "Mothering Sunday" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.