Mother’s Day Celebration Around The World

As the Mother’s Day official date set by the United Nations is coming, let’s take this opportunity to learn more about the special occasion dedicated to all mothers around the world. Join us on our quick tour across the world to see how moms are honoured in different cultures.

An Overview of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special holiday when children can show their love and gratitude towards their mothers with cards, flowers, chocolates and wishes. Mother’s Day is also for commemorating maternity, maternal relationships, and mothers’ impact on society.

While the second Sunday of May is the official set date for Mother’s Day by the United Nations, not all countries and cultures around the world observe this celebration on the same day. It is observed on various days across the world, most notably in the months of March and May. Let’s check out the date of Mother’s Day around the world and make sure that you don’t miss this great opportunity to show your love to your mother(s).

Mother’s Day Celebration Around The World

Here’s a look at how people pay tribute to their moms around the world.

#1. The United States

In 1908, a lady named Anna Jarvis organized a tribute for her late mother, which became the first American Mother’s Day. Jarvis, a peace campaigner and Civil War doctor, sought to establish a day dedicated just to mothers. By 1914, the event had grown in popularity across the country, and President Woodrow Wilson made the second Sunday in May a national holiday.

As Mother’s Day became increasingly popular, greeting card companies arose, and the custom of purchasing flowers and gifts became the standard. Because carnations were Anna Jarvis’ mother’s favourite flower, they were connected with Mother’s Day in particular.

#2. Mexico

Every year on the 10th of May, Mother’s Day (Día de las Madres) is commemorated in Mexico. Children traditionally begin the day by waking up early and performing music to wake up their mothers. Las Mañanitas, a song that is usually sung for birthday celebrations, is one of the most popular choices.

At some point throughout the day, it is also customary for children to perform a skit for their moms. Following these performances, homemade Mother’s Day cards and presents are exchanged. Evenings are filled with food. Many families choose to eat out. It’s Mexico’s biggest restaurant day of the year.

#3. France

Mother’s Day in French, called Fête des Mères, has its origins in a historical celebration of women’s equality. In 1920, the French government began distributing medals to women with large families as a thank you for their assistance in rebuilding the population after World War I claimed so many lives.

The holiday is observed on the final Sunday in May. In case Pentecost occurs on that day, Mother’s Day is observed on the next Sunday. The day is traditionally commemorated with a huge meal, a flower-shaped cake, and presents.

#4. The United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day started as a religious celebration (known as Mothering Sunday in the 1500s) in which families who had relocated would return to the church where they had first been baptized or had attended. In the 1700s, the celebration was for young housemaids to come home to spend time with their moms.

The event is still religiously based today, with many churches sending out daffodils to children to give to their mothers. Children also make a fruitcake for their moms or give them flowers or a Mother’s Day brunch.

#5. Japan

Mother’s Day in Japan, known as Haha no Hi, was originally celebrated on March 6, aligned with Empress Koujun’s birthday. However, since 1949, the celebration has been changed to the second Sunday in May.

After World War II, a variation of Mother’s Day became popular as a gesture to console mothers who had lost sons in the war. Carnations are often given as gifts during the month of March since they represent the tenderness and persistence of motherhood in the Japanese culture. Originally, children would give a red carnation to a living mother and a white one to a deceased mother. At present, white has now become the standard colour.

On this occasion, many families choose to stay at home and eat meals cooked by the children. Most kids are encouraged to make drawings of their mothers at school.

#6. Thailand

Mother’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on the 12th of August to commemorate the birth of the respected Queen Sirikit. Ceremonies and parades honour the holiday’s dual purposes, with jasmine being the most popular gift.

#7. South Korea

Koreans commemorate Parents’ Day on May 8th instead of separating Mother’s and Father’s Days. It’s to honour parents for their unwavering love and selfless efforts in raising their children to be responsible adults.

Carnations are traditionally made by youngsters and placed on their parents’ chests. The popular choices for flowers are carnations and roses. The parents are also given gifts and cards. Cosmetic surgery for parents who want to appear and feel younger again is also a popular gift in this country.

Wrap Up

Our team at GTE Localize wish all moms around the world the best Mother’s Day (and every day)!