Mother's Day History and Traditions from around the World

Get ready to hop around the globe and celebrate the most magical women in our lives - mums!
From heartfelt gestures to traditional feasts, Mother's Day isn't just a single day; it's a worldwide celebration steeped in unique customs and lovely memories.
But how did this delightful day come to be? And how does it differ from country to country? Each place sprinkles its own cultural flair into the festivities, turning Mother's Day into a global tapestry of love and appreciation.
How did Mother's Day begin?
Mother's Day traces its roots back to Britain's "Mothering Sunday" in the Middle Ages, and the passionate efforts of Anna Jarvis in the United States.
In the UK, Mother's Day blossoms on the fourth Sunday of Lent in the lead up to Easter. While modern celebrations feel a lot like the American version, this holiday has roots that are oh-so-very British.
Historically, "Mothering Sunday" was all about honouring the Virgin Mary, so people would make a special trip to their "mother church," whether it was their parish church, their baptismal church, or the closest cathedral.
Children working as apprentices or domestic servants would take the opportunity to return home and visit their families, whilst a hearty roast lunch of veal or lamb was usually on the menu, with the mother celebrated as the queen of the feast.
Wildflowers were gathered to adorn the church and to be lovingly gifted to mothers, and a special cake, named after the medieval term for fine flour, took centre stage – Simnel Cake - a deliciously light fruitcake with almond paste and 11 marzipan balls (representing the apostles, minus Judas).
Mother's Day as we know it began in the United States with the relentless love and ambition of Anna Jarvis from West Virginia, who wanted to honour her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis.
In her own life, Anna's mother was a social activist and community organiser during the American Civil War era, rallying women together for friendship and health.
Upon her death, Anna wanted to commemorate her mother in a big way, kicking off the first official celebration on the 10th May 1908, turning a personal remembrance into a national holiday.
Thanks to her hard work, the U.S. Congress recognised it as an official holiday in 1914, and in America it is now celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year.
Anna envisioned a day where children showered mothers with white carnations, gifts, and quality time, although card companies later stepped in with their plethora of gift ideas and homemade cards.
Traditions from around the World
Join us as we explore various traditions from Germany to Japan, Brazil to the Philippines! Discover how different cultures embrace their Mother's Day celebrations and share in the joy of motherhood, because let's face it - mums deserve all the love, snacks, and maybe a foot rub or two every single day!
Hold on to your bouquet of flowers because we're about to take a whirlwind trip around the globe to discover the delightful and diverse ways people celebrate their mothers!
Japanese Mother's Day Traditions
In Japan, Mother's Day lands on the second Sunday of May, where mums are showered with love, often in the form of gorgeous flowers like red carnations. The flower symbolises love and endurance, making it the perfect emblem for a day dedicated to mums.
Originating in 1913, Japan saw a temporary halt during World War II, but post-war enthusiasm revived the celebration.
Japanese children delight in giving flowers, compliments, and sometimes even taking over kitchen duties to craft special meals for their mothers. Some even get extra creative, drawing adorable portraits of their mums as part of a fun classroom activity. These masterpieces aren't just fridge-worthy, they're entered into art contests! This charming tradition dates back to the 1950s when kids submitted their mum-themed artwork every four years, vying for a chance to have it showcased across the world.
Thai Mother's Day Traditions
In Thailand, Mother's Day gets the royal treatment! Since 1976 it's been celebrated on the 12th August, the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, dubbed the nation's mother. This means it's double the love: one part honouring the nation's symbolic mother, and one part celebrating all the other amazing mums out there.
The day shines bright with dazzling fireworks and heartfelt candle-lighting ceremonies. But here's the sweetest part: Thai children show their mums some love with delicate white jasmine flowers, a symbol of a mother's pure and unconditional love.
Many mums even visit their children's schools, where kids take the ultimate "I respect you, Mum" stance by kneeling at their feet. It's a day packed with love, tradition, and a sprinkle of royal sparkle!
Brazilian Mother's Day Traditions
When Brazil throws a party, they make sure it's grande!
Dia das Mães isn't just for mums - it's a big love fest for grandmothers, aunts, and all the amazing mother figures who deserve some extra appreciation. While it's not an official holiday, this celebration is a huge deal, second only to Christmas in importance.
As a deeply Catholic nation, many families kick off the day with Mass, setting the tone for a celebration packed with love, gratitude, and of course, delicious food.
Brazilians, known for their love of the great outdoors, take Mother's Day festivities to the next level with barbecues, picnics, passionfruit mousse desserts, and plenty of family bonding.
Flowers are a must - classic roses mingle with vibrant orchids and hibiscus, adding a tropical touch to the day. And gifts? Oh, they go all out! Mother's Day ranks second only to Christmas for consumer spending, but thoughtful homemade presents from kids also hold a special place in every mum's heart.
This special event is held on the second Sunday of May, with heartfelt gestures and feasts fit for royalty. Mother's Day in Brazil is all about showing mamães just how much they're adored!
Peruvian Mother's Day Traditions
In Peru, Mother's Day gets celebrated on the second Sunday in May, just like in the U.S., with all the classics: flowers, cards, and gifts for mum. But here's where things take a uniquely Peruvian twist - families don't just honour mums who are still with them; they also gather at cemeteries to celebrate the mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who've passed on.
Don't think this is a sombre affair, though! Peruvians turn these visits into lively family reunions, complete with food, drinks, and plenty of heartfelt stories. After some socialising, families spruce up the gravesites, decorating them with colourful balloons, heart-shaped signs and fresh flowers.
It's a beautiful way to keep the love alive, blending celebration and remembrance with a signature Peruvian flair!
Mexico Mother's Day Traditions
In Mexico, Mother's Day is more fiesta than holiday - it's celebrated every year on the 10th May, no matter what day of the week it falls on!
It's one of the country's busiest and most beloved holidays. Sure, flowers are a big part of the celebration, but Mexico puts its own spin on the day.
It starts with tamales and atole for breakfast and the sweet serenade of "Las Mañanitas" by mariachi bands dedicated to mothers. It's like a musical love letter for moms, setting the tone for a day full of gratitude, music, and joy!
Schools get into the spirit with special pageants, and the day is jam-packed with visits to mass, vibrant meals, and plenty of dancing - a testament to mothers being the true queens of the home.
Filipino Mother's Day Traditions
In the Philippines, Mother's Day has had quite the dramatic history! For decades, it was celebrated on the first Monday of December, but now it's moved to the second Sunday in May in line with the U.S. But here's the twist: legally, Mother's Day is still supposed to be in December!
Back in 1980, President Ferdinand Marcos declared both Mother's and Father's Days would be celebrated in December. President Cory Aquino then switched them both to align with the U.S. tradition. Fast forward to 1998, and President Joseph Estrada reversed it, bringing back the December dates.
However, despite all the back-and-forth, Mother's Day is now widely celebrated in May, and the Philippines, with its rich mix of global cultures, has fully embraced the tradition, with carnations being the flower of choice. They symbolise "purity, sweetness, and endurance" - traits every mum definitely embodies! This tradition is shared with countries like Japan and the USA, where carnations also take centre stage on Mother's Day.
Back in the day, Filipino school children would proudly wear "cadena de amor" (pink carnations) pinned to their chests in honour of their mothers. If your mum had passed away, you'd wear white carnations to show respect. In the modern day, with many Filipinos living abroad it's common to order fresh bouquets online to send to loved ones back in the Philippines, with plenty of floral delivery services ready to make it happen!
In Filipino culture, mums aren't just mothers - they're the "ilaw ng tahanan", or the "light of the house," symbolising the warmth, generosity, and guidance they bring to the family. Mother's Day isn't just for your own mother, it's a full-on celebration of all the grandmothers, godmothers, and aunts who play motherly roles in the family too.
Indian Mother's Day Traditions
India embraces Mother's Day with a blend of city and tradition on the second Sunday in May.
Urban centres shower mums with a blend of flowers and goodies, while places less familiar with the day gravitate towards Durga Puja traditions, celebrating motherhood through goddess worship come October. Diversity shines on this day, honouring familial love and history.
Hindus celebrate Durga Puja, a 10-day extravaganza honouring the goddess Durga. This vibrant festival has roots dating back to the 16th century and is not only a spiritual event but also a time for families to come together and reunite. One fun story behind it is that Durga returns to her parents' house to show off her own children - talk about a proud mum moment! Families spend weeks preparing delicious food, gathering gifts, and decking out their homes to get ready for the festivities.
German Mother's Day Traditions
In Germany, "Muttertag" is celebrated on the second Sunday in May - unless it's playing tag with Pentecost! If the two overlap, Mother's Day scoots up to the first Sunday in May.
These days, Germans show their love with heartfelt cards, flowers, and thoughtful gifts, but back in World War II, Mother's Day had a very different vibe. It wasn't just about celebrating mums - it came with a hefty dose of politics. Women were honoured for their role in, quite literally, building the nation by having lots of kids. They could even earn medals, with awards doled out based on the number of little ones running around their homes!
The 'Cross of Honour' of the German Mother (Ehrenkreuz der deutschen Mutter) was like the Olympics of baby-making, complete with medals! Bronze went to mums with three to five kids. Silver was for the overachievers with six to seven children. And for the ultimate parenting champions, gold was reserved for those raising eight or more little ones. That's right - motherhood was a full-blown medal-worthy event!
French Mother's Day Traditions
Say "je t'aime" to French mothers on Fête des Mères!
Celebrated on either the last Sunday of May or the first of June, depending on Pentecost, this day is filled with family gatherings and special meals that include flower bouquet cakes.
The idea of celebrating mums in France goes way back to 1806 when Napoleon himself decided that mothers of large families deserved their own special day. Fast forward to 1950, and Mother's Day became an official holiday. Since then, French traditions have taken a page from the U.S. playbook, with kids pitching in with chores (or at least pretending to), whilst mums are spoiled with classic gifts like flowers, chocolates, and all the love they deserve!
Mother's Day is celebrated with unique flair and heartfelt traditions around the globe, but one thing remains universal: it's all about honouring the incredible love, strength, and dedication of mums everywhere. From the smallest tokens of gratitude to grand cultural celebrations, Mother's Day is a beautiful reminder that mums truly make the world go round.
So, no matter where you are or how you celebrate, make sure to shower the mothers in your life with all the love they deserve!