How Mother's Day is Celebrated Around the World vs. the U.S.

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How Mother’s Day is Celebrated Around the World vs. the U.S.

May 9, 2025
5:21 pm

Mother’s Day is a special occasion celebrated in many countries around the world to honor mothers and mother figures for their love, sacrifice, and contributions to families and society. While the holiday shares similar themes globally, its customs, dates, and traditions vary greatly depending on the culture and country. This article compares how Mother’s Day is celebrated in the United States with different countries worldwide, highlighting the uniqueness and similarities of each celebration.

Mother’s Day in the United States

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. It is a day to honor mothers and express gratitude for their care, dedication, and the role they play in family life. The tradition of Mother’s Day in the U.S. dates back to the early 20th century, and it was officially recognized as a national holiday in 1914. The day is typically marked by giving gifts, cards, flowers, and special meals.

One of the most common customs in the U.S. is the giving of flowers, particularly carnations, which are symbolic of Mother’s Day. Many families also take their mothers out for a special meal, often at a restaurant, to provide her with a well-deserved break from cooking and household duties. It is common for children, both young and adult, to create handmade cards or gifts as a personal expression of appreciation. Additionally, many schools organize events where children can participate in activities related to Mother’s Day, such as creating art or writing essays about their mothers.

In the U.S., Mother’s Day is not only celebrated by families but also by businesses, which often run promotions and special sales for the occasion. For many, it is a day of both emotional and material acknowledgment of mothers’ hard work and love. However, despite its commercial aspects, the focus remains on family gatherings, reflections on maternal love, and creating memories together.

Mother’s Day Around the World

While Mother’s Day in the U.S. is a broadly secular celebration focused on gratitude and gift-giving, other countries observe the holiday in unique ways, influenced by their own customs, history, and cultural values.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, known as “Mothering Sunday.” Originally, the day was a religious occasion when Christians would return to their “mother church” for a service, but over time, it has evolved into a secular holiday similar to the U.S. celebration. Families in the UK honor mothers by giving flowers, cards, and chocolates. Children may also cook breakfast or take their mothers out for lunch.

Unlike in the U.S., where Mother’s Day is centered around spring flowers like carnations, the UK commonly celebrates with daffodils, symbolizing renewal and rebirth, especially as the holiday falls during spring. In some families, it is also customary for children to make or buy a cake as a token of appreciation.

Mexico

In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th, a fixed date each year. Known as “Día de las Madres,” it is a day filled with heartfelt expressions of gratitude. The celebration typically begins with children singing traditional songs, including the famous “Las Mañanitas,” to honor mothers. It is common for families to gather for a festive meal, and many businesses close early to allow families to spend time together.

In addition to gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and jewelry, many Mexican families honor mothers with music and dance. Mother’s Day in Mexico is widely regarded as a public holiday, with schools and workplaces often organizing activities, performances, and parties to celebrate mothers.

Japan

Mother’s Day in Japan is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, just like in the U.S., but with distinct cultural elements. Traditionally, Japanese children present their mothers with carnations, as the flower is associated with the symbol of maternal love and devotion. However, in recent years, gifts like handmade crafts, sweets, and even spa treatments have gained popularity.

In Japan, Mother’s Day is not just about giving gifts, but also a time for family reflection and appreciation. Children may spend time with their mothers, expressing gratitude for the care they provide. Unlike the commercialized version in the U.S., the Japanese celebration remains relatively low-key, focusing more on emotional connection than extravagant gifts.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated during the annual holiday known as “Fasika,” which marks the end of Lent and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Although not always tied to a specific date, Fasika is an important occasion when families come together to celebrate both motherhood and the harvest season.

During Fasika, people often gather with their mothers to share traditional meals and engage in festive activities, which include singing and dancing. This celebration is more about honoring mothers within the larger context of family and community, rather than focusing solely on the individual mother. Food plays a significant role in the celebration, with large feasts often prepared as part of the festivities.

France

In France, Mother’s Day (“Fête des Mères”) is celebrated on the last Sunday of May, unless it coincides with Pentecost, in which case it is moved to the first Sunday of June. The day is typically marked by family gatherings, where children give their mothers flowers, typically lilies of the valley, which are believed to bring good luck.

In addition to flowers and cards, it is common for families to present their mothers with fine dining experiences or special homemade treats. French children often take their mothers out for a meal or prepare a meal at home to honor their mothers’ roles. The occasion is less commercialized than in some countries, with an emphasis on familial bonds and appreciation for maternal sacrifice.

Mother’s Day is universally celebrated as a time to honor mothers, but the way it is observed varies across different cultures. While the U.S. tradition is rooted in flowers, gifts, and family gatherings, other countries have their own distinctive customs and dates for celebrating motherhood. From the UK’s “Mothering Sunday” to Ethiopia’s Fasika, each country infuses its own cultural influences into the celebration. Despite the differences, the core message remains the same — to appreciate and honor mothers for their love, care, and contributions to families and society.

The varied celebrations across the globe demonstrate the universal importance of mothers, while also highlighting the rich diversity of traditions and values that shape how we express this gratitude. Whether it is through singing songs, sharing meals, or giving flowers, the world unites in celebrating motherhood, each in their own way.