Mother's Day takes place next month - but what lockdown rules will be in place?

Mothering Sunday usually occurs near the end of March, but the date is a little earlier in 2021.

This is because the occasion moves in accordance with Easter, which is determined by the lunar calendar.

Here's everything you need to know about Mother's Day 2021.

When is Mother's Day UK in 2021?

In the UK, Mother's Day always falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

This year that is Sunday, March 14

What will Mother's Day look like this year?

Although Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a four-step roadmap for easing lockdown, most restrictions will still be in place come Mother's Day. 

Restaurants, pubs and non-essential shops will still be shut, indoor socialising will still be banned and people will still be advised to "stay at home" in all but exceptional circumstances.

However, from March 8, there will be a small change to the outdoor exercise rules and you will be allowed to meet one-on-one to socialise outdoors in public places and have a picnic or a coffee on a park bench. 

The other key change that could affect Mother's Day is an easing of care home visiting rules from March 8.

Residents will finally be allowed a single regular visitor, provided they have a negative Covid test and wear protective equipment. 

Holding hands will be allowed. 

Why is Mother’s Day on a different date in every country?

Mother’s Day is an international celebration honouring mothers and their influence in society.

It was initially a US holiday but it has become popular in various countries around the world.

Some countries gave it a religious meaning - which, however, has been gradually lost over the years.

In other countries, the date is based on seasons or times of the year, rather than religious festivities.

In the Middle East, the celebration first started in Egypt in 1956. It is now celebrated on March 21, the first day of spring.

In the United States and several other countries, Mother's Day is on the second Sunday in May.

In China, Mother's Day used to be a day to help poor mothers and to remind people of mothers in rural areas.

It falls on the fourth month of the lunar calendar, but is often celebrated on the second Sunday of May.

In France the festivity is celebrated on the last Sunday of May.

However, if it coincides with Pentecost day, it is moved to the first Sunday of June.