How Is Mother’s Day Celebrated Around the World?

Mother’s Day is a cherished occasion that celebrates the love, sacrifices, and contributions of mothers worldwide. While the date and traditions surrounding this holiday can vary, the essence remains the same: honoring mothers and motherhood. Across the globe, different cultures have developed unique ways of celebrating this special day, incorporating their values, customs, and historical influences. From heartfelt family gatherings to community-wide celebrations, each country’s observance of Mother’s Day offers a glimpse into the cultural fabric of that region.

While many countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, others have chosen different dates and ways to show appreciation for mothers. The celebration often includes giving gifts, flowers, or cards, but the deeper meaning lies in acknowledging the vital role mothers play in family life, communities, and societies.

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How Do Various Countries Celebrate Mother’s Day?

1. United States

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It’s a day for families to come together, shower mothers with love and appreciation, and acknowledge their hard work. Typical celebrations include breakfast in bed, handmade cards, and family outings. Restaurants and spas often experience high demand as families treat mothers to a special day of relaxation and indulgence.

A significant tradition in the U.S. is the gifting of flowers, especially carnations, with the color of the flower symbolizing a mother’s status—red for mothers still living and white for those who have passed away. Many families also honor their mothers by volunteering or donating to charities in their name.

2. United Kingdom

Mothering Sunday in the UK is observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, roughly three weeks before Easter. The holiday has its roots in Christian traditions when people would return to their “mother church” for a special service. Over time, it evolved into a celebration honoring mothers.

While the holiday in the UK is similar to the American Mother’s Day, traditions include giving flowers, chocolates, and cards. The day also features a family meal, often a traditional Sunday roast. Children may also pick wildflowers, a custom with roots in the pastoral past.

3. Mexico

In Mexico, Mother’s Day, or Día de las Madres, is celebrated on May 10th. This holiday is deeply rooted in the Mexican culture, with families coming together to honor mothers. The day begins with serenades—often at dawn—when children or musical groups gather to sing traditional songs like “Las Mañanitas” outside their mothers’ homes.

Mothers are showered with love and attention, and family gatherings typically include special meals, gifts, and flowers. The celebration extends to the community level, with schools and organizations often hosting events for mothers.

4. Japan

In Japan, Haha no Hi, or Mother’s Day, is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. The celebration was introduced from the U.S. after World War II and has since evolved into a day of family appreciation. Children often present their mothers with flowers, especially carnations, which symbolize love and admiration.

Traditional gifts include homemade cards or small tokens of appreciation. The day is also celebrated with family meals, where mothers may receive special treatment as the family expresses gratitude for their nurturing care.

5. France

In France, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of May (or the first Sunday of June if it coincides with Pentecost). Known as Fête des Mères, the day is marked by family gatherings, feasts, and gifts. Children often present their mothers with cards, flowers, and small gifts.

One unique French tradition is the cake-making ceremony. In some regions, a special Mother’s Day cake known as gâteau de Mère is made to honor mothers. The cake is often decorated with messages of appreciation, reflecting the centrality of mothers in the family unit.

6. Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated as part of the Enkutatash festival, which marks the Ethiopian New Year in September. The day is significant in Ethiopian culture, as it is dedicated to honoring motherhood and women. Families gather for a large feast that includes traditional dishes, and children often present their mothers with flowers and gifts.

The holiday is not only about celebrating biological mothers but also extends to all women who take on maternal roles within the community. It’s a time for appreciation and gratitude for women’s nurturing roles.

7. Thailand

In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12th, in honor of the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand. The day is a national holiday that includes both public and private celebrations. The Thai people express their gratitude for mothers by offering flowers, often jasmine, a symbol of purity, to their mothers or grandmothers.

The day is marked by family gatherings, parades, and cultural performances. The significance of the day is also a reminder of the deep respect and reverence for mothers in Thai culture, where family is central to society.

8. India

In India, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, much like in the United States. The holiday has become increasingly popular in recent years, with families celebrating by giving gifts, flowers, and cards. However, the deeper tradition of honoring mothers in India is rooted in cultural respect for the mother figure in society.

Many schools host events or performances where children express their love and gratitude toward their mothers. Mother’s Day in India also provides an opportunity for children to spend time with their mothers, celebrating the important role they play in the family.

9. Brazil

In Brazil, Dia das Mães is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, similar to the U.S. The day is marked with family gatherings, where mothers are treated with love and affection. Brazilians give flowers, cards, and homemade gifts to their mothers as a gesture of appreciation.

On this day, many families gather for large meals, and mothers are often spoiled with breakfast in bed. The celebrations also include special performances and events, especially in schools, where children honor their mothers with songs, poetry, and artwork.

What Are Common Gifts for Mother’s Day?

Though the specific customs may vary by region, some gifts are universally popular when celebrating Mother’s Day. Common gifts include:

• Flowers: Flowers, especially roses and carnations, are common symbols of love and appreciation.

• Cards: Handwritten or store-bought cards express gratitude and love.

• Jewelry: Many people gift necklaces, bracelets, or rings to mark the occasion.

• Homemade Treats: Cakes, cookies, or homemade meals are often prepared as a way to honor mothers.

• Quality Time: Spending the day together, whether through a meal, outing, or family activity, is often the most cherished gift.

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The Universal Celebration of Motherhood

Though the way it’s celebrated may differ from country to country, Mother’s Day is a global celebration of motherhood, love, and family. It’s a day to express appreciation for the women who play such a vital role in shaping families, communities, and societies. Whether through simple acts of kindness or grand cultural traditions, the sentiment behind the holiday is universal: honoring the selfless contributions of mothers around the world.