Mother’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated occasions across the globe, yet it takes remarkably different forms depending on cultural, religious, and historical contexts. While the sentiment of honoring mothers remains universal, the dates, customs, origins, and meanings vary dramatically from one nation to another. This comprehensive guide explores how dozens of countries celebrate motherhood, revealing both unique local traditions and surprising commonalities that connect humanity across continents.

North America

United States

Mother’s Day in the United States falls on the second Sunday of May and has become one of the most commercially significant holidays in the American calendar. The modern celebration traces back to Anna Jarvis, who held a memorial for her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis in 1908 at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Anna campaigned tirelessly for Mother’s Day to become an official holiday, finally succeeding in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law.

Ironically, Anna Jarvis later became one of Mother’s Day’s fiercest critics, appalled by its commercialization. She spent the latter part of her life trying to abolish the holiday she had created, protesting against greeting card companies and florists who profited from the day. Despite her objections, the commercial tradition has only grown stronger.

Contemporary American celebrations typically involve giving greeting cards, flowers (with carnations holding special significance—pink for living mothers, white for deceased mothers), chocolates, jewelry, and other gifts. Breakfast in bed has become an iconic tradition, with children preparing simple meals for their mothers. Restaurants see their busiest day of the year, with families treating mothers to brunch or dinner. Phone companies report Mother’s Day as generating the highest volume of calls annually. Many families also visit mothers and grandmothers who live at a distance, making it one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Canada

Canada’s Mother’s Day mirrors the American celebration, falling on the second Sunday in May. The tradition arrived in Canada in the early 1900s, spreading from the United States. Canadian celebrations emphasize family gatherings and outdoor activities when weather permits, given the arrival of spring. In French-speaking Quebec, the day maintains particular importance within the province’s strong family-oriented culture. Canadian families often combine Mother’s Day with the start of gardening season, with children giving their mothers plants or flowers to begin the summer garden.

Mexico

Día de las Madres in Mexico is celebrated on May 10th every year, regardless of the day of the week. This fixed date distinguishes it from many other countries’ floating celebrations. The Mexican tradition began in 1922, promoted by journalist Rafael Alducin as a way to honor traditional Mexican values and motherhood.

The celebration in Mexico is extraordinarily festive and can last from dawn until late evening. The day typically begins with las mañanitas, traditional birthday songs sung to mothers at sunrise, often accompanied by mariachi bands. Schools hold special festivals in the days leading up to May 10th, where children perform elaborate songs, dances, and skits dedicated to their mothers. Churches hold special masses, and families gather for enormous feasts featuring mothers’ favorite dishes.

In Mexican culture, motherhood holds sacred status, and the celebration reflects this reverence. It’s common for entire extended families to gather, sometimes traveling considerable distances. Restaurants are packed, parks fill with families, and mariachi bands move from house to house throughout neighborhoods, serenading mothers for tips. Giving roses, particularly red or pink ones, remains traditional. The day also honors grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and all maternal figures in the family.

Many adult children who live far from their mothers make special efforts to return home for this day, and those who cannot call or video chat for extended periods. Employers traditionally allow workers to leave early on May 10th to spend time with their mothers.

United Kingdom and Ireland

United Kingdom

Mothering Sunday in the UK predates the modern Mother’s Day movement by centuries, with roots in 16th-century Christian tradition. It falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, three weeks before Easter, meaning the date changes each year. Originally, Mothering Sunday referred to the practice of visiting one’s “mother church”—the main church in the area—once a year. During this time, domestic servants and apprentices were given the day off to return home and visit their mothers and families, a rare privilege in an era when such workers might only receive one day off per year.

Historical traditions include gathering wildflowers along the way home to present to mothers, and baking or buying Simnel cake, a light fruitcake with two layers of marzipan—one on top and one in the middle. The eleven marzipan balls traditionally decorating the top represent the apostles (excluding Judas). Some families still maintain the tradition of children bringing their mothers breakfast in bed and “mothering posies” of violets or other spring flowers.

The American-style Mother’s Day influenced British celebrations during and after World War II, particularly through American servicemen stationed in Britain and through commercial interests. Today’s UK Mother’s Day represents a blend of ancient Mothering Sunday customs and modern American-influenced gift-giving. Cards, flowers (especially daffodils, which bloom in March), chocolates, and taking mothers out for Sunday lunch or afternoon tea are all common practices.

Ireland

Ireland celebrates Mothering Sunday on the same day as the UK, maintaining the connection to the Lenten calendar. Irish celebrations similarly blend religious tradition with modern customs. Many families attend Mass together, followed by a special Sunday lunch where mothers are exempted from cooking duties. Spring flowers, particularly daffodils and tulips, are traditional gifts. In rural areas, some families still maintain older customs of gathering wildflowers and baking traditional cakes.

Latin America

Guatemala, El Salvador, and Other Central American Nations

Many Central American countries celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10th, following Mexico’s lead. In Guatemala, the day is marked by serenatas at dawn, with groups of musicians moving through neighborhoods playing traditional marimba music. Schools hold special programs for weeks in advance, and children create elaborate handmade cards and gifts in art classes.

In El Salvador, the celebration is particularly exuberant, with families gathering for multi-generational festivities. Traditional foods like pupusas are prepared in large quantities, and it’s customary for adult children to present their mothers with new clothing or household items they need.

Colombia

Colombia celebrates Día de la Madre on the second Sunday of May. Colombian families often begin the day attending Mass together, followed by an almuerzo (lunch) that can last for hours. Extended family members travel from across the country to reunite. The giving of flowers is particularly important, with carnations and roses being most popular. Many Colombians also give their mothers household appliances or items to make their daily work easier, reflecting practical considerations alongside sentimental gifts.

Brazil

Brazil’s Dia das Mães, celebrated on the second Sunday of May, is one of the country’s most important dates for family gatherings and commercial activity. Brazilian celebrations emphasize large family lunches or churrasco (barbecue) gatherings. Gift-giving is elaborate, with jewelry, perfume, and clothing being popular choices. The day has significant commercial importance, rivaling Christmas in retail sales.

Brazilian children often prepare performances at school in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day, and it’s traditional for families to take mothers to restaurants, beauty salons, or spas. In some regions, particularly in the Northeast, there are public celebrations with live music and community events. The Catholic influence in Brazil means many families also attend Mass together, and churches hold special services blessing mothers.

Argentina

Argentina celebrates Mother’s Day on the third Sunday of October. The date commemorates the Maternity and Child Welfare Day established in 1956. October placement means the celebration occurs during Argentine spring, a season associated with renewal and life.

Argentine celebrations typically involve family asados (barbecues) where mothers are honored guests and don’t participate in meal preparation. Gift-giving focuses on personal items like jewelry, perfume, or clothing. Many families also give household appliances. The day has become increasingly commercialized, with retailers offering special promotions throughout October.

Europe

France

La Fête des Mères in France is celebrated on the last Sunday of May, unless it coincides with Pentecost, in which case it moves to the first Sunday of June. The modern French Mother’s Day has interesting origins tied to both commercial interests and national policy. In the early 20th century, various organizations promoted Mother’s Day, but it gained official status after World War I as part of efforts to repopulate France after devastating war losses.

The Vichy government during World War II heavily promoted the day as part of pro-natalist policies, awarding medals to mothers of large families. Despite this controversial history, the celebration has continued and evolved into a more personal, less political occasion.

French families typically celebrate with flowers (particularly roses or peonies), chocolates, and handmade gifts from children. The traditional gâteau de fête des mères (Mother’s Day cake) might be prepared, often a simple sponge cake decorated by children. Many families gather for Sunday lunch, and it’s customary for fathers and children to take over cooking duties, though many families also dine at restaurants.

Germany

Muttertag in Germany falls on the second Sunday in May. The celebration has complex historical associations, having been promoted heavily during the Nazi era as part of programs glorifying motherhood and encouraging large families. The Mother’s Cross was awarded to women based on the number of children they bore.

After World War II, the holiday was reestablished with efforts to distance it from its Nazi associations. Modern celebrations focus on family appreciation rather than political ideology. German traditions include giving flowers (particularly roses, tulips, or carnations), chocolates, and cards. Children often make handicrafts at school to present to their mothers. Many families enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) together in the afternoon, and mothers are typically exempted from household chores for the day.

Spain

Día de la Madre in Spain is celebrated on the first Sunday of May. Spanish celebrations are family-focused and relatively intimate compared to some other European countries. Children give handmade cards and gifts, particularly drawings or crafts created at school. Flowers, especially carnations, roses, or orchids, are traditional presents.

Family meals are central to Spanish celebrations, often featuring the mother’s favorite dishes prepared by other family members. It’s common for families to gather for an extended sobremesa, the Spanish tradition of remaining at the table after a meal for conversation and connection. In some regions, families take mothers to restaurants for paella or other special meals.

Poland

Dzień Matki in Poland is celebrated on May 26th every year. The tradition began in 1914 but was officially established in 1923. Polish Mother’s Day remains less commercialized than in many Western countries, focusing instead on heartfelt family appreciation.

Polish schoolchildren prepare elaborate programs with songs, poems, and performances for their mothers. Handmade gifts, particularly laurki (decorated cards) created by children, are cherished traditions. Flowers are the most common gift, with tulips, roses, and carnations being popular choices. Some families attend church together, and special masses blessing mothers are held in Catholic parishes throughout Poland.

A unique Polish tradition involves children reciting poems they’ve memorized specifically for the occasion, sometimes quite lengthy verses learned at school. The day emphasizes emotional expression and verbal tributes to mothers, with grown children often calling or visiting to express their love and gratitude.

Portugal

Primeiro Domingo de Maio (First Sunday of May) is when Portugal celebrates Dia da Mãe. Portuguese traditions include giving flowers, particularly carnations which hold special meaning in Portuguese culture, and preparing special meals. The bolo de mãe (mother’s cake) is a traditional sweet prepared in some families.

Portuguese celebrations emphasize family unity and often include multiple generations gathering together. It’s common for families to attend Mass in the morning before sharing a large lunch. The day also honors deceased mothers, with families visiting cemeteries to place flowers on graves and remember matriarchs who have passed away.

Greece

Greece celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. Greek celebrations blend ancient traditions honoring mother goddesses with modern customs. Families often begin the day at Greek Orthodox church services before gathering for elaborate meals.

Greek mothers typically receive flowers, sweets, and jewelry. The loukoumades (honey puffs) or other traditional Greek desserts might be prepared specially for the occasion. Extended family gatherings are common, with multiple generations coming together. Greek Mother’s Day also honors the Virgin Mary, reflecting the deep connection between motherhood and religious tradition in Greek Orthodox culture.

Russia

Russia celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8th rather than having a separate Mother’s Day. This Soviet-era tradition honors all women—mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and colleagues. While technically celebrating all women rather than specifically mothers, the day in practice places strong emphasis on maternal figures.

Russian men and children give women flowers (particularly mimosas, tulips, or roses), chocolates, and cards. It’s traditional for husbands and sons to take over household duties for the day. Schools hold concerts and performances, and children create handmade gifts and cards. Workplaces hold celebrations, with male colleagues presenting flowers to female coworkers.

The day carries both political and personal significance, acknowledging women’s contributions to society while celebrating their roles within families. Many Russians also visit mothers, grandmothers, and other maternal figures, making it one of the most important family occasions of the year.

Serbia, Montenegro, and Other Orthodox Nations

In Serbia and some other Orthodox Christian countries, Mother’s Day (Materice) is part of a unique three-Sunday sequence: Children’s Day (Detinjci), Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day (Očevi), occurring on consecutive Sundays before Orthodox Christmas in December.

The Serbian celebration includes a charming tradition where children “tie up” their mother on Mother’s Day morning—literally binding her with rope, ribbon, or string until she promises treats, small gifts, or coins to “ransom” herself. This playful custom symbolizes children’s desire to keep their mother close and their love binding them together. Once “freed,” mothers distribute small gifts, candies, or coins to the children.

Families also gather for festive meals, and it’s traditional to light candles and say prayers together. The sequencing of the three days emphasizes the entire family unit, with each member receiving special honor. These celebrations also connect to the religious significance of the pre-Christmas period, with families attending church services together.

Middle East and North Africa

Egypt and Arab World

Many Arab countries celebrate Mother’s Day (Eid al-Umm in Arabic) on March 21st, coinciding with the spring equinox. The modern tradition originated in Egypt in the 1950s, proposed by journalist Mustafa Amin after hearing a touching story about a widow who sacrificed everything for her children. The idea spread throughout the Arab world, though some Gulf nations celebrate on different dates.

In Egypt, Mother’s Day is marked by giving mothers gifts of jewelry, flowers (particularly roses), perfume, or clothing. Families gather for special meals, and it’s common for children to visit their mothers bringing sweets or traditional foods like kunafa or basbousa. The day celebrates not just biological mothers but all maternal figures—grandmothers, aunts, and stepmothers.

Egyptian media broadcasts special programs honoring mothers, and schools hold events where children perform songs and recite poetry about motherhood. The day also highlights the revered status of mothers in Islam, with references to Quranic verses and hadiths emphasizing the importance of honoring one’s mother.

Lebanon and Syria

Lebanon and Syria also celebrate Mother’s Day on March 21st, though ongoing conflicts have affected celebrations in recent years. Lebanese celebrations are particularly elaborate, with families hosting large gatherings and presenting mothers with generous gifts. Flower shops see enormous demand, and jewelry stores advertise special Mother’s Day collections.

In Syrian communities, both within Syria and in the diaspora, Mother’s Day serves as an occasion to maintain cultural connections and honor maternal strength and resilience, particularly poignant given the challenges many Syrian families have faced.

Saudi Arabia and Gulf States

Saudi Arabia and some other Gulf nations adopted Mother’s Day more recently and celebrate it on different dates, with some observing it in May following Western traditions. Celebrations in conservative Gulf societies maintain Islamic values while allowing for gift-giving and family gatherings.

In Saudi Arabia, gift-giving has become increasingly popular, particularly gold jewelry, perfumes, and abayas (traditional robes). Restaurants offer special Mother’s Day menus, and hotels host afternoon tea services. The celebration provides an opportunity for public acknowledgment of mothers’ contributions while respecting cultural norms around family privacy.

Israel

Israel celebrates Mother’s Day (Yom Ha’Em) on 30 Shevat according to the Hebrew calendar, typically falling in late January or February. The date connects to Henrietta Szold’s birthday, founder of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America.

Israeli celebrations include giving flowers, particularly roses or seasonal blooms, and gathering for family meals. Schools hold special programs, and children create handicrafts or cards for their mothers. The day honors not only individual mothers but also the pioneering mothers who helped establish the State of Israel, giving the celebration national and historical significance alongside personal meaning.

Asia

China

China doesn’t have a traditional Mother’s Day, but in recent decades, the second Sunday of May has gained popularity, particularly in urban areas influenced by Western culture. The celebration blends with traditional Chinese values of filial piety deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy.

Chinese Mother’s Day celebrations often include giving carnations, which have become associated with motherhood in China. Practical gifts like health supplements, clothing, or household items are popular. Many young adults take their mothers to restaurants for dim sum or special meals. The day also sees increased sales of beauty products, jewelry, and electronics.

Some Chinese families also celebrate on the second day of the fourth month in the lunar calendar, associated with traditional reverence for mothers. The day might involve visiting temples, burning incense, and making offerings. Regional variations exist, with different areas maintaining unique customs related to honoring maternal figures.

WeChat and other social media platforms see waves of posts honoring mothers, with children sharing photos and messages of appreciation. The commercial aspect has grown significantly, with retailers offering major promotions and advertising campaigns around the Western Mother’s Day date.

Japan

Haha no Hi (Mother’s Day) in Japan is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. The tradition was introduced after World War II, influenced by American culture during the occupation period. Before this, Japan had honored Empress Kōjun’s birthday on March 6th as an unofficial day for mothers.

Red or pink carnations are the primary symbol of Japanese Mother’s Day, associated with the saying that the flower resembles a mother’s pure love. Giving carnation bouquets or potted carnation plants is traditional, with red for living mothers and white in memory of deceased mothers.

Japanese schoolchildren often create drawings or portraits of their mothers, which are displayed at school before being presented to mothers as gifts. Handmade cards, often featuring intricate origami or calligraphy, are highly valued. Commercial gifts include sweets (particularly wagashi, traditional Japanese confections), flowers, handbags, or clothing.

Some Japanese families visit onsen (hot springs) resorts together for Mother’s Day weekend, making it a mini-vacation. Others take mothers to restaurants for special meals, particularly kaiseki (traditional multi-course dining) or French cuisine, which Japanese people often choose for celebrations. The day emphasizes showing gratitude through thoughtful actions and quality time together rather than expensive gifts.

South Korea

Parents’ Day (Eobeoi-nal) in South Korea falls on May 8th and honors both mothers and fathers simultaneously, a unique approach that reflects Korean values of family balance. The day became an official holiday in 1973, combining previous separate observances for mothers and fathers.

Red carnations are the traditional flower, pinned to parents’ chests by children in a touching ceremony. Schoolchildren often perform this ritual, approaching parents and carefully pinning carnations while expressing gratitude. Handmade carnation corsages featuring silk or paper flowers are also popular.

Korean families typically treat parents to meals at restaurants, with children paying as a sign of respect and gratitude. Adult children give their parents money in decorative envelopes, similar to the tradition during Lunar New Year. Other popular gifts include health supplements, clothing, or household electronics.

The day also features special performances at schools, nursing homes, and community centers, with children singing songs like “어머님은 (Dear Mother)” and other traditional tributes to parents. The celebration emphasizes the Confucian value of filial piety that remains central to Korean culture.

Thailand

Thai Mother’s Day coincides with Queen Sirikit’s birthday on August 12th, making it both a celebration of mothers and a national holiday honoring the queen mother of the nation. The tradition began in 1976 and has become one of Thailand’s most important holidays.

The color blue, representing Queen Sirikit’s birth-color according to Thai astrology, dominates the day. Thai people wear blue clothing to show respect and solidarity. Public buildings, streets, and homes are decorated with blue lights and portraits of the queen. The national flag flies alongside special Mother’s Day flags featuring the queen’s image.

Jasmine flowers, particularly white jasmine (mali son), symbolize motherhood’s purity and are given as gifts. Families bring jasmine garlands to their mothers, who often wear them throughout the day. The fragrant flowers hold deep cultural significance in Thailand.

Religious ceremonies feature prominently, with Thais visiting temples to make merit through almsgiving, offering food to monks, and participating in prayer ceremonies. These activities honor both personal mothers and the queen, reflecting the intertwining of family and national identity.

Evening ceremonies called “candle lighting for mother” occur throughout the country, with people gathering to light candles and pay respect. Schools, government offices, and private organizations hold special events featuring performances, speeches, and awards for exemplary mothers.

India

India celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, though the tradition is relatively recent and primarily urban. Traditional Indian culture has always emphasized maternal reverence through various religious and cultural practices throughout the year.

In Hindu tradition, the concept of matri devo bhava (“mother is divine”) reflects the sacred status of motherhood. Various festivals throughout the Hindu calendar honor maternal figures, including Durga Puja, which celebrates the mother goddess Durga. The modern Mother’s Day celebration supplements rather than replaces these traditional observances.

Indian Mother’s Day celebrations include giving flowers (particularly roses or orchids), sweets, and gifts. Sarees, jewelry, or other traditional clothing items are popular presents. Families gather for special meals, often featuring the mother’s favorite dishes or taking mothers to restaurants.

In metropolitan areas, commercial activity around Mother’s Day has increased significantly, with shopping malls, retailers, and restaurants offering promotions. Social media sees widespread participation, with Indians posting tributes, photos, and messages honoring their mothers. The celebration has become particularly popular among younger, urban, and middle-class Indians who embrace both traditional values and contemporary celebrations.

Indonesia

Hari Ibu (Mother’s Day) in Indonesia is celebrated on December 22nd and has unique historical origins tied to the Indonesian women’s independence movement. The date commemorates the opening day of the first Indonesian Women’s Congress in 1928, when women organized to demand political rights and social reforms.

Rather than focusing solely on domestic motherhood, Indonesian Mother’s Day celebrates women’s roles as mothers, professionals, and citizens. The day acknowledges both maternal duties and women’s contributions to society, reflecting Indonesia’s respect for women’s multifaceted roles.

Celebrations include ceremonial events at schools, workplaces, and government offices featuring speeches about women’s empowerment and contributions to Indonesian independence. Schools hold competitions including cooking contests, traditional dance performances, and cultural displays. Children perform for their mothers, presenting songs, dances, and dramatic performances.

At home, husbands and children traditionally take over household duties for the day, preparing meals and cleaning. Families give mothers gifts such as sarongs, batik clothing, or jewelry. It’s also common to give practical gifts that ease daily work, like kitchen appliances or household items.

Community events include gotong royong (mutual cooperation activities) where neighbors work together on projects benefiting mothers and families. Some communities organize health screenings, educational seminars, or charitable activities. The day emphasizes collective appreciation for mothers’ roles in families and society.

Philippines

Mother’s Day in the Philippines is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Filipino culture places extraordinary emphasis on family, with mothers holding central positions of authority and respect. The Filipino concept of utang na loob (debt of gratitude) particularly applies to the relationship with one’s mother, creating strong lifelong bonds and obligations.

Filipino celebrations are elaborate and emotionally expressive. Families attend Mass together in the morning, often dedicating the service to mothers and grandmothers. Churches hold special ceremonies blessing mothers, and priests deliver homilies about maternal sacrifice and Mary, the mother of Jesus.

After church, families gather for extended meals featuring Filipino favorites like lechon (roasted pig), pancit (noodles symbolizing long life), lumpia (spring rolls), and various kakanin (rice cakes). These gatherings often include multiple generations and can last all day, with continuous eating, conversation, and celebration.

Gift-giving is generous, with children presenting mothers with jewelry, clothing, handbags, or household items. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who represent millions of Filipinos working abroad, make special efforts to send money, gifts, or video call their mothers. The emotional connection between Filipino mothers and children makes these long-distance communications particularly poignant.

Cultural programs called “Mother’s Day programs” feature performances by children, including traditional Filipino songs like “Aking Ina” (My Mother), folk dances, and dramatic presentations about maternal love. Beauty pageants for mothers are popular in some communities, celebrating mothers’ beauty and grace.

Vietnam

Vietnam celebrates Women’s Day on October 20th, which functions similarly to Mother’s Day while honoring all women. The date commemorates the founding of the Vietnamese Women’s Union in 1930. While distinct from Mother’s Day, the celebration places strong emphasis on maternal figures.

Vietnamese families give mothers and women flowers (particularly roses or lilies), gifts, and take them to restaurants. Children present handmade cards and perform songs at school events. The day honors women’s contributions during Vietnam’s wars for independence, recognizing both maternal nurturing and women’s strength and resilience.

Some Vietnamese families also observe International Women’s Day on March 8th, influenced by socialist traditions. Both occasions provide opportunities to honor mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures while celebrating women’s broader social contributions.

Africa

Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s Antrosht celebration occurs in mid-fall, after the rainy season ends (typically in October or November), varying by region. This multi-day festival celebrates family, mothers, and the end of the rainy season when food becomes plentiful.

The celebration involves elaborate preparations, with family members contributing based on traditional gender roles. Daughters bring vegetables, butter, cheese, and spices, while sons provide meat by bringing a bull or lamb to be slaughtered. This division of contributions represents the complementary roles within families.

A distinctive tradition involves mothers and daughters applying a butter mixture to their faces and chests as a beauty treatment and celebration ritual. The family then gathers for a feast featuring traditional Ethiopian foods like doro wat (spicy chicken stew), kitfo (minced raw beef), and injera (sourdough flatbread).

Music and dance are central to Antrosht, with families singing traditional songs that recount family history, honor ancestors, and celebrate mothers. These songs can last for hours, with different family members taking turns to perform. The lyrics often tell stories of heroism, sacrifice, and maternal devotion.

The celebration emphasizes family unity and the cyclical nature of life, connecting the harvest, motherhood, and generational continuity. Unlike commercialized Western Mother’s Day, Antrosht remains deeply rooted in agricultural rhythms and traditional Ethiopian culture.

South Africa

South Africa celebrates Mother’s Day on the first Sunday of May. The celebration reflects South Africa’s multicultural society, with different communities incorporating their own traditions alongside contemporary gift-giving customs.

South African families typically give flowers (particularly proteas, South Africa’s national flower, or roses), cards, and gifts. Family braais (barbecues) are popular, bringing together extended family members for outdoor celebrations. Mothers are honored guests and exempted from cooking duties.

In some black South African communities, the day connects to traditional practices of honoring elders and maternal figures. Ubuntu philosophy, emphasizing interconnectedness and community, influences how the day is celebrated, often including not just biological mothers but all maternal figures in the community.

Churches hold special services, particularly important in South Africa’s highly religious society. Various denominations offer blessings for mothers and services of thanksgiving. The day also provides an opportunity to remember mothers lost during apartheid and to honor the women who fought for freedom and justice.

Nigeria

Nigeria celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. In this populous and diverse African nation, celebrations vary among the country’s many ethnic groups and religious communities.

Nigerian Mother’s Day celebrations often center around church services, given the country’s large Christian population. Mothers wear special attire, often coordinated outfits called “aso ebi” that identify them as honored guests. Churches hold elaborate services with special prayers, songs, and recognition ceremonies for mothers.

After church, families gather for large meals featuring Nigerian favorites like jollof rice, egusi soup, pounded yam, or other regional dishes. Gift-giving includes jewelry, fabric for making clothes (particularly expensive ankara or lace), or household items.

In Muslim communities in northern Nigeria, Mother’s Day may be observed more quietly or incorporated into Islamic traditions of honoring parents throughout the year. Some Nigerian Muslims observe the day while others consider it a Western innovation unnecessary given Islamic teachings about respecting mothers.

Nigerian Mother’s Day also highlights contemporary issues, with organizations using the day to advocate for maternal health, education, and women’s rights. Given Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, the day provides opportunity to raise awareness about challenges Nigerian mothers face.

Middle East (continued)

Iran

Iran doesn’t celebrate Mother’s Day on a fixed international date but instead honors mothers on the birthday of Fatimah, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, according to the Islamic calendar (20th of Jumada al-Thani). The day is called “Women’s Day” or “Mother’s Day” and is an official holiday in Iran.

The date selection reflects Islamic values and Iranian cultural identity, distinguishing the celebration from Western traditions. Schools close, and government offices hold ceremonies honoring mothers. The day celebrates both motherhood and women’s contributions to Iranian society.

Iranian families give mothers flowers (particularly roses or carnations), sweets, and gifts. It’s common to give gold jewelry or coins as presents. Families gather for meals, and children visit their mothers bringing traditional sweets like gaz (nougat), sohan (saffron brittle), or baklava.

The celebration also honors the Virgin Mary, respected in Islamic tradition as Jesus’s mother, and other maternal figures in Islamic history. Television and radio broadcast special programs about motherhood, family values, and women’s contributions to Iranian culture and history.

Oceania

Australia

Australia celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. The tradition began in the early 20th century, influenced by the American Mother’s Day movement. Australian celebrations have developed their own character while maintaining similarities to other Western countries.

Chrysanthemums are traditionally associated with Australian Mother’s Day, as they bloom in May (Australian autumn). White chrysanthemums are worn or displayed to honor mothers, both living and deceased. However, many Australians now give various flowers, with florists offering special Mother’s Day arrangements.

Breakfast in bed remains a cherished tradition, with children preparing simple meals for their mothers. Many families also take mothers to restaurants for brunch or high tea, popular Australian Mother’s Day activities. Coastal families might organize beach outings or picnics, weather permitting.

Gift-giving includes typical items like jewelry, perfume, chocolates, and cards, but practical gifts are also appreciated. The day has become significantly commercial, with retailers offering major promotions. Schools hold Mother’s Day stalls where children can purchase inexpensive gifts, learning about giving while supporting school fundraising.

Australian Mother’s Day also includes charitable aspects, with various organizations raising funds for maternal health, breast cancer research, or family support services. The Mother’s Day Classic, a fun run held in multiple cities, raises money for breast cancer research, combining celebration with community support and health awareness.

New Zealand

New Zealand celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, similar to Australia. The celebration reflects New Zealand’s blend of British heritage and Pacific Islander influences, with Māori and Pacific Island communities incorporating their own traditions.

In Māori culture, the concept of whāngai (family) extends beyond nuclear families, and Mother’s Day often honors not just biological mothers but all maternal figures in the whānau (extended family). Māori families might combine Mother’s Day with traditional practices of honoring elders and ancestors.

New Zealand families give flowers, cards, and gifts, with breakfast in bed being traditional. Many families organize special outings, taking mothers to restaurants, wineries, or scenic locations. Given New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty, outdoor celebrations are popular when weather cooperates.

The day has commercial significance, with retailers and restaurants offering special promotions. Schools organize Mother’s Day activities, with children creating handmade gifts and cards. Some New Zealand families also participate in charitable activities, with various organizations using Mother’s Day to raise awareness about maternal health and family support services.

Universal Themes and Contemporary Developments

Despite the remarkable diversity in how Mother’s Day is celebrated globally, certain themes emerge repeatedly across cultures. Flowers appear in nearly every tradition, symbolizing beauty, growth, and appreciation. Roses, carnations, jasmine, chrysanthemums, and local blooms all carry meaning related to maternal love and devotion.

Family meals represent another universal element, whether elaborate feasts, restaurant outings, or simple home gatherings. Food connects to nurturing, one of motherhood’s essential aspects, and sharing meals creates space for families to connect and express gratitude.

Children’s performances and handmade gifts appear across continents, reflecting the universal desire of children to honor their mothers through personal effort and creativity. School programs, concerts, poetry recitations, and artwork demonstrate love through action rather than purchase.

The commercial aspect of Mother’s Day has spread globally, sometimes controversially. Anna Jarvis’s fears about commercialization have largely been realized, with Mother’s Day generating billions in retail sales worldwide. Yet beneath commercial pressures, genuine sentiment persists, with people using the day to express authentic appreciation for maternal figures.

Contemporary developments include increased use of technology to connect distant family members, particularly important for immigrant families or those separated by work. Video calls, digital cards, and social media posts supplement or replace traditional in-person celebrations, adapting old traditions to modern realities.

The day has also become a platform for social advocacy, with organizations worldwide using Mother’s Day to highlight maternal health issues, women’s rights, childcare needs, and family support services. This activism reflects growing awareness that honoring mothers includes supporting policies and structures that benefit mothers and families.

Some critics argue that Mother’s Day places excessive pressure on mothers to perform prescribed roles or on families to demonstrate appreciation through consumption. Others note that for people with complicated maternal relationships, absent mothers, or those who have lost mothers, the day can be painful. These perspectives have led to more nuanced conversations about the holiday’s meaning and more inclusive approaches to celebration.

Understanding these varied traditions reveals both humanity’s cultural diversity and our shared values. While the expression differs dramatically—from Ethiopia’s multi-day Antrosht to Thailand’s blue-themed national holiday, from Serbia’s playful binding tradition to Mexico’s all-day mariachi serenades—the impulse to honor maternal love and sacrifice transcends boundaries. Mother’s Day, in its many forms, reflects our universal recognition that mothers’ contributions to families and societies deserve recognition, appreciation, and celebration.