The original meaning of Mothering Sunday is often unknown, although people tend to be aware that it always falls in the middle of the Christian festival of Lent. Mother's Day is the contemporary version of the original name - ‘Mothering Sunday’.

Britain holds the prestige of being the first country in the world to dedicate a special day for mothers, as early as 17th century, although some in America would disagree with this.   Anna Jarvice from West Virginia considers that she created this day to honour mothers and motherhood.