Mother's Day US: When is it and why is it celebrated on a different day to the UK holiday?

The US date was formalised in 1914 by President Wilson, chosen after a campaign by Anna Jarvis

(Getty)

For those in the UK it's already been and gone, but Mother's Day in the US is not held until the second Sunday in May.

In America, the celebration can trace its origins back to the creation of mother’s groups, consisting of women whose sons fought in the Civil War.

The US date was formalised in 1914 by President Wilson, chosen after a campaign by Anna Jarvis whose own mother died in May.

However Jarvis later disproved and fought against the commercialisation that the holiday brought about, believing the original sentiment had been sacrificed for profit.

"A printed card means nothing," she said, "except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world."

The National Retail Federation estimates that this year Americans will spend an average of $172.63 on their mothers, an increase of $10 since 2014 and the highest amount in 12 years.

The UK holiday took place this year on 15 March, and is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of each Lent.