A Global Guide to How Mother's Day is Celebrated Around the World
Mother’s Day is a universal celebration dedicated to honoring mothers and motherly figures. Although the day’s origins and customs vary from country to country, the central theme remains the same: expressing gratitude and affection toward mothers. Here’s a Hong Kong florist guide on how different countries around the world celebrate Mother’s Day, showcasing their unique traditions and customs.
1. United States
Date: The second Sunday in May.
Traditions: Mother's Day in the U.S. is marked by giving flowers (especially carnations or roses), cards, chocolates, and gifts. Many families also celebrate with a special meal, often at a restaurant. Children often make homemade cards, and people may also spend the day pampering their mothers with relaxation or outings.
Fun Fact: Mother's Day was established as a national holiday in 1914, thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis.
2. United Kingdom
Date: "Mothering Sunday," which falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, usually in March or early April.
Traditions: The day originally had religious roots, where people would return to their "mother church." Today, it’s a time for families to show appreciation, often by sending flowers, giving gifts, and spending quality time with mothers. Special meals and tea parties are common.
Fun Fact: In some regions, people still follow the tradition of baking Simnel cake, a light fruitcake with marzipan, to celebrate the occasion.
3. France
Date: The last Sunday in May (or the first Sunday in June if Pentecost falls on the same day).
Traditions: In France, Mother's Day is celebrated with family gatherings. Children often give flowers (especially roses), cards, and small gifts. It’s also common for families to have a special meal together at home or in a restaurant. Some towns and cities hold parades and events in honor of mothers.
Fun Fact: France has a long history of honoring mothers, dating back to the Napoleonic era when mothers of large families were awarded medals.
4. Japan
Date: The second Sunday in May.
Traditions: In Japan, Mother’s Day is celebrated with gifts like carnations (symbolizing a mother’s love), chocolates, and homemade crafts from children. Many people also express their gratitude by writing heartfelt letters. Some families treat mothers to a special meal at home or dine out.
Fun Fact: Children often participate in school projects where they create artwork or handmade gifts to present to their mothers.
5. Mexico
Date: May 10th every year.
Traditions: Mother’s Day in Mexico is a major celebration, often with early morning serenades from mariachi bands, followed by family gatherings. Flowers, especially carnations, are common gifts, and many people organize parties or meals in honor of mothers. It’s also common for children to perform songs or dances for their mothers.
Fun Fact: The day is a national holiday in Mexico, and it’s celebrated with a lot of fanfare, including public events and gatherings.
6. Germany
Date: The second Sunday in May.
Traditions: Germans celebrate Mother’s Day by sending flowers (especially carnations) and giving small gifts. Families often treat mothers to a special lunch or dinner. It’s a day to express gratitude, and children frequently make homemade cards and presents.
Fun Fact: Mother’s Day in Germany was first celebrated in 1923 and has since become a widely recognized event, especially in urban areas.
7. Italy
Date: The second Sunday in May.
Traditions: Italy celebrates Mother's Day with family-oriented gatherings. Children often give gifts like flowers, chocolates, or small personalized items. Lunch or dinner is typically a big part of the celebration, and many Italians use the day to express gratitude for maternal love.
Fun Fact: Roses are the most common flowers given on Mother's Day in Italy, and some people take their mothers on a visit to the countryside or the beach.
8. India
Date: The second Sunday in May.
Traditions: Although Mother’s Day is not as widely celebrated in India as in other countries, its popularity is growing, especially among younger generations. Gifts, flowers, and cards are common, along with special meals. Some people also celebrate the day by taking their mothers to restaurants or organizing family gatherings at home.
Fun Fact: Many schools and organizations now hold events or host performances to honor mothers.
9. South Korea
Date: May 8th every year.
Traditions: In South Korea, Mother’s Day was officially established in 1956. Children typically give carnations, and many families celebrate with a meal together. It’s also a tradition for children to show respect by bowing to their mothers and expressing their gratitude.
Fun Fact: The celebration of Mother’s Day is a mix of traditional Korean values and modern Western influences.
10. Brazil
Date: The second Sunday in May.
Traditions: In Brazil, Mother's Day is a huge celebration, with families giving flowers (especially carnations) and organizing large family gatherings. Many people treat mothers to a day of relaxation, often by going out to a restaurant or organizing a barbecue at home.
Fun Fact: The holiday is widely observed in Brazil and is one of the most important celebrations of the year.
11. Russia
Date: The last Sunday of November.
Traditions: Russia celebrates Mother’s Day with flowers, cards, and small gifts. The day is meant to honor both biological mothers and women who play a motherly role in society. Children often make handmade gifts at school to present to their mothers.
Fun Fact: Mother’s Day in Russia is a relatively new celebration, first introduced in 1998, but it has grown in popularity.
12. Sweden
Date: The last Sunday in May.
Traditions: Swedish Mother’s Day is celebrated by giving flowers, typically tulips or roses, and by organizing a festive family meal. Children often give cards and small gifts. In some regions, people also visit their mothers’ graves to honor their memory if they have passed.
Fun Fact: In Sweden, Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1919 and is now one of the most anticipated days of the year.
13. Philippines
Date: The second Sunday in May.
Traditions: Mother’s Day in the Philippines is celebrated with family gatherings, giving flowers, cards, and special gifts. It’s common to treat mothers to a meal at a restaurant or to cook a special feast at home. Many children also express their gratitude through poems, songs, and performances.
Fun Fact: The Philippines is known for its vibrant Catholic culture, so Mother’s Day often includes mass attendance and prayers for mothers.
14. Thailand
Date: August 12th (the Queen's birthday).
Traditions: Thailand celebrates Mother’s Day on the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is regarded as the mother of all Thai citizens. On this day, people give flowers (often jasmine) to their mothers, attend ceremonies, and participate in activities honoring motherhood.
Fun Fact: The Thai government has established Mother's Day as a national holiday, and it’s marked by various public events and community activities.
15. Egypt
Date: March 21st (the first day of spring).
Traditions: In Egypt, Mother's Day is celebrated by giving gifts, flowers, and cards. It’s also common for families to gather together for a meal. The holiday is meant to honor mothers and motherly figures in society.
Fun Fact: Mother’s Day was first celebrated in Egypt in 1956, after a journalist’s campaign to create the holiday.
16. Venezuela
Date: The second Sunday in May.
Traditions: In Venezuela, Mother’s Day is celebrated with family gatherings, gifts, and flowers, especially roses. The day is a time to honor mothers, and many people attend mass to offer prayers and thanks for their mothers.
Fun Fact: Mother’s Day in Venezuela is one of the most celebrated holidays, often involving music, dancing, and large family parties.
Top HK florist tips
Mother’s Day is celebrated with love and appreciation around the globe, but the traditions and customs vary greatly. While flowers and cards are common gifts, each country brings its unique cultural twist to the occasion. Regardless of where you are in the world, Mother’s Day remains a special time to express gratitude to the women who have nurtured, cared for, and supported us.
