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April 10, 2025 5 min read
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.
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:
Interestingly, Jarvis later grew disillusioned with the commercialization of the holiday she worked so hard to establish.
Día de las Madres is celebrated on May 10th regardless of the day of the week. This celebration is marked by:
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:
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:
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:
Japan celebrates Haha no Hi on the second Sunday in May. This celebration is characterized by:
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:
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:
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:
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:
South Africa celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, similar to the American tradition. Celebrations include:
Brazil celebrates Dia das Mães on the second Sunday of May with elaborate celebrations:
Argentina celebrates Día de la Madre on the third Sunday in October. This day is marked by:
Australia celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May with traditions including:
New Zealand also celebrates on the second Sunday in May with traditions similar to Australia, including:
In today's interconnected world, technology has transformed how we celebrate Mother's Day globally:
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.
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