Mother’s Day is a globally recognized holiday dedicated to honoring maternal figures and the concept of motherhood. While the sentiment is universally understood as one of appreciation and respect, the day of observance varies significantly across the world. These differences are rooted in distinct historical, religious, and political contexts, resulting in a diverse calendar of celebrations that span nearly every month of the year.
The Dominant Observance
The most widely adopted observance is held on the Second Sunday in May, a tradition that grew out of the United States. This date is followed by countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, including Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, China, and India.
The modern holiday traces its origins to the efforts of activist Anna Jarvis, who campaigned for a day to honor her own mother and all mothers in the early 20th century. Jarvis organized the first public commemoration in 1908 in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, sending 500 white carnations, her mother’s favorite flower, to the service attendees. Her dedicated advocacy eventually led President Woodrow Wilson to sign a proclamation in 1914, officially designating the second Sunday in May as the national holiday. This American-originated date subsequently spread internationally, becoming the standard for numerous nations.
Observances Tied to Religious Calendars
A distinct tradition exists in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where the celebration is known as Mothering Sunday. This movable holiday is observed on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, meaning its date changes annually based on the Christian calendar. Its historical roots are separate from the American Mother’s Day and date back to the Middle Ages.
The original custom involved people returning to their “mother church”—the main church or cathedral of their area—for a special service. This tradition provided an opportunity for families, particularly children working away from home as servants or apprentices, to reunite and visit their mothers. Although the religious focus has largely faded, the date remains fixed to the Lenten season, distinguishing it from the fixed-month celebrations observed elsewhere.
Celebrations on Fixed Calendar Dates
Many countries intentionally selected specific, non-movable calendar dates or tied their observance to national figures or events. In much of the Arab world, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, Mother’s Day is celebrated on March 21st, coinciding with the spring equinox. This date symbolizes renewal and the start of a new season, which is viewed as a fitting tribute to the nurturing role of mothers.
Eastern European and Balkan nations, such as Russia and Bulgaria, observe the holiday on March 8th, aligning it with International Women’s Day. In Mexico, Día de las Madres is celebrated every year on May 10th, regardless of the day of the week, often beginning with a traditional serenade. Thailand marks the holiday on August 12th to honor the birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit, the symbolic mother of the nation. France typically celebrates on the last Sunday of May, unless it conflicts with Pentecost, in which case it shifts to the first Sunday of June.
Global Traditions and Unique Customs
The way the holiday is celebrated incorporates unique local customs and symbols. Ethiopians celebrate a multi-day festival called Antrosht at the end of the rainy season. A communal feast is prepared after daughters bring vegetables and cheese, while sons contribute meat.
In Australia, the tradition involves gifting chrysanthemums, which are affectionately called “mums,” a term that also serves as a nickname for mothers. A distinct custom in Peru involves families visiting the gravesites of deceased mothers, bringing flowers and food to honor their memory in a celebratory atmosphere. Throughout Asia and Latin America, the carnation remains a popular symbol. The color often signifies whether the mother is living (red or pink) or deceased (white).