While many of us are familiar with celebrating Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May with flowers, cards, and breakfast in bed, this special day dedicated to honoring maternal figures takes on fascinating and diverse forms around the world. From different dates to unique customs, the ways in which cultures celebrate motherhood reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have evolved over generations.
In this article, we'll take a journey across continents to explore how Mother's Day is celebrated globally, highlighting the rich tapestry of customs that all share one common thread: expressing gratitude and love for mothers.
North America
United States and Canada
In the United States and Canada, Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday in May. The modern American Mother's Day was established by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century as a way to honor her own mother. Today, it typically involves:
Giving cards, flowers (particularly carnations), and gifts
Taking mom out for a special meal or preparing breakfast in bed
Phone calls to mothers who live far away
Family gatherings and special church services
Interestingly, Jarvis later grew disillusioned with the commercialization of the holiday she worked so hard to establish.
Mexico
Día de las Madres is celebrated on May 10th regardless of the day of the week. This celebration is marked by:
A traditional morning serenade to mothers with the song "Las Mañanitas"
Special church masses featuring the hymn "Himno a la Madre"
School performances where children perform songs and skits for their mothers
Lavish family meals, often featuring traditional dishes like mole and tamales
Europe
United Kingdom and Ireland
The UK and Ireland celebrate Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent, about three weeks before Easter. Originally a religious observance when people would return to their "mother church," it evolved to include:
Children presenting wild flowers gathered on the way home from church
Traditional Simnel cake, a light fruit cake with marzipan
Cards and gifts, similar to American traditions
Family lunches, often featuring a traditional Sunday roast
France
The French celebrate Fête des Mères on the last Sunday in May (unless it conflicts with Pentecost, then it's moved to the first Sunday in June). The celebration includes:
A family dinner where mothers are treated as the guests of honor
Flower-shaped cakes
Handmade gifts and poems from children
The presentation of a flower bouquet
Russia
Russia celebrates a relatively newer holiday called International Women's Day on March 8th, which honors all women, including mothers. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, they've also adopted Mother's Day on the last Sunday in November. Celebrations include:
Giving flowers, particularly mimosas and tulips
Children making handmade crafts at school to present to their mothers
Public concerts and special events dedicated to mothers
Government programs recognizing outstanding mothers
Asia
Japan
Japan celebrates Haha no Hi on the second Sunday in May. This celebration is characterized by:
Children drawing pictures of their mothers in school and gifting them
Presenting red carnations or roses, which symbolize strength and endurance
Preparing and serving mother's favorite foods
Giving thoughtful gifts like purses, scarves, or jewelry
India
While the Western Mother's Day is increasingly celebrated in urban areas, India has its own tradition called Durga Puja, a 10-day festival celebrating the Divine Mother. Modern Mother's Day celebrations include:
Taking mothers out for meals at restaurants
Buying thoughtful gifts
Phone calls and visits to family
Special events at schools honoring mothers
China
The Chinese show appreciation for mothers on the second Sunday of May, though it's not an official holiday. Traditional ways to honor maternal ancestors include:
Offering flowers, particularly carnations and lilies
Family gatherings featuring special meals
Young people returning home to visit their mothers
The tradition of giving a carnation to one's mother (white if she has passed away)
Middle East
Israel
Israel celebrates Yom Ha'Em (Mother's Day), which has evolved into Family Day (Yom HaMishpacha) celebrated on the 30th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar (usually falling in February). Traditions include:
Children making cards and small gifts in school
Planting trees in honor of new mothers
Family gatherings and special meals
Community celebrations that honor the role of the family
Africa
Ethiopia
Ethiopia has one of the most unique Mother's Day celebrations called Antrosht, which occurs at the end of the rainy season in fall. This multi-day celebration includes:
Children returning home to their mothers bringing ingredients for a special meal
Traditional hash recipe prepared with various spices
Daughters providing butter and vegetables, while sons bring meat
Elaborate meals accompanied by singing and dancing that can last for several days
South Africa
South Africa celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, similar to the American tradition. Celebrations include:
Wearing flowers: a red carnation for a living mother or a white carnation for a deceased mother
Family gatherings with traditional South African braai (barbecue)
Children performing acts of service for their mothers
Special church services honoring mothers
South America
Brazil
Brazil celebrates Dia das Mães on the second Sunday of May with elaborate celebrations:
Large multi-generational family gatherings
Special church services followed by large Brazilian barbecues
Children's performances at schools
The day is considered the second most commercial holiday after Christmas
Argentina
Argentina celebrates Día de la Madre on the third Sunday in October. This day is marked by:
Family reunions with traditional asados (barbecues)
Children preparing handmade presents at school
Flowers and cards given as gifts
A significant day for retail sales, second only to Christmas
Oceania
Australia
Australia celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May with traditions including:
Chrysanthemums are the flower of choice as they naturally bloom during Australian autumn
The wearing of carnations: colored for living mothers, white for those who have passed
Breakfast in bed or family brunches
Community events honoring outstanding mothers
New Zealand
New Zealand also celebrates on the second Sunday in May with traditions similar to Australia, including:
Giving cards and gifts, particularly handmade crafts from children
Family meals, often breakfast in bed or brunches
Community events honoring mothers
Traditional Māori celebrations incorporating elements honoring maternal ancestors
The Role of Technology in Modern Mother's Day Celebrations
In today's interconnected world, technology has transformed how we celebrate Mother's Day globally:
Video calls allow families separated by distance to connect visually
Social media platforms enable public expressions of gratitude
Online gift ordering makes international gift-giving easier
Digital cards and messages complement traditional paper ones
Conclusion
Mother's Day celebrations around the world, while varied in their expressions and timing, all share the universal desire to honor and appreciate the women who nurture us. From the flower markets of Mexico City to the family gatherings in Ethiopia, these traditions highlight the cultural importance placed on motherhood across the globe.
No matter how different the customs may be, the sentiment remains the same: to express love, gratitude, and respect for the mothers who have shaped our lives. As we celebrate Mother's Day in our own ways, we participate in a beautiful global tradition that transcends cultural boundaries.