Mother’s Day is a heartfelt occasion celebrated in countless ways around the globe—a day to honor, thank, and celebrate the women who raise, support, and nurture us. While the second Sunday in May is reserved for Mother’s Day in many countries, such as the United States and Canada, not every nation marks the same day or observes the same traditions. What unites them all, however, is the universal appreciation for mothers and maternal figures.
Let’s take a journey around the world to explore how different cultures express gratitude to moms—from flowers and feasts to prayers and parades.
United States & Canada: Brunch, Flowers, and Family Time
In the United States and Canada, Mother’s Day is traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday in May. The day often begins with breakfast in bed, homemade cards, and colorful bouquets. Families gather for brunch or dinner outings, and restaurants are packed with mothers enjoying meals with their children. Schools and daycares frequently help children prepare crafts or handwritten notes for Moms, in the week leading up to the holiday.
The modern version of this day was inspired by Anna Jarvis, who campaigned for an official day to honor mothers in the early 20th century. Ironically, she later protested the commercialization of the holiday she worked so hard to establish.
United Kingdom: Mothering Sunday
Across the Atlantic in the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day—known there as Mothering Sunday—falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, usually in March. Originally a religious celebration, when people would return to their “mother church,” the day evolved to also honor actual mothers.
Children often wake up early to prepare breakfast in bed and gift their mothers daffodils, homemade crafts, or cakes—especially the traditional simnel cake, a fruit cake with marzipan. Many families attend church services and enjoy Sunday roast dinners together.
Mexico: La Celebración del 10 de Mayo
In Mexico, Mother’s Day is always celebrated on May 10, regardless of the day of the week. It’s one of the most significant holidays of the year—often considered more important than Father’s Day. The day starts with Las Mañanitas, a traditional Mexican birthday song, often sung to moms by children or mariachi bands.
Families treat mothers to breakfast, flowers, and serenades. Schools host special performances, and churches hold masses in honor of the Virgin Mary, particularly Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s spiritual mother. Restaurants are typically booked weeks in advance, and it’s common for grown children to travel long distances just to be with their mothers on this special day.
Ethiopia: Antrosht Festival
In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day isn’t a one-day event—it’s a multi-day celebration that follows the rainy season in the fall, known as Antrosht. Families gather to feast, sing, and dance, with a strong emphasis on family unity and cultural heritage.
Children bring ingredients for a traditional hash-like dish, made with lamb or beef and vegetables, and mothers are honored through song and storytelling. These rituals are deeply rooted in Ethiopian Orthodox Christian traditions and emphasize the connection between mothers and their children through shared meals and music.
Japan: Haha no Hi
In Japan, Mother’s Day (Haha no Hi) is celebrated on the second Sunday of May and is characterized by respectful simplicity and elegance. Children often give their mothers red or pink carnations, symbolizing purity, sweetness, and endurance.
Japanese families may prepare homemade meals, such as tamagoyaki (sweet omelet) or miso soup, and children draw pictures of their mothers for school projects. It’s also common for children to perform songs or recite poems about maternal love.
What makes Japan’s celebration unique is the quiet reverence and gratitude that defines the day—it’s less about extravagance and more about reflection, respect, and appreciation.
India: The Rise of a Modern Tradition
While India does not have an ancient tradition specifically tied to Mother’s Day, the Western version of the holiday is growing in popularity, especially among urban families. Celebrated on the second Sunday of May, Indian Mother’s Day often includes giving cards, flowers, and chocolates, particularly by younger generations influenced by media and advertising.
However, India also honors mothers during Durga Puja and Navratri, where the divine feminine and mother goddess Durga are worshipped. These festivals span multiple days and involve music, dance, and elaborate offerings.
Thailand: Honoring Queen Sirikit
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12, the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the mother of the nation. The celebration serves a dual purpose: honoring both Queen Sirikit and mothers across the country.
Children present jasmine flowers (a symbol of maternal love in Thai culture) to their mothers and may kneel at their feet in a show of deep respect and gratitude. Public ceremonies, fireworks, and portraits of the queen displayed across towns create a unifying national celebration.
Egypt and the Arab World: A March Tradition
In many Arab countries—including Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia—Mother’s Day is celebrated on March 21, the first day of spring. Egyptian journalist Mustafa Amin introduced the idea in the 1950s, and it quickly spread throughout the region.
The day is marked with family gatherings, songs, and media programs dedicated to mothers. Children often write letters or recite poetry, and it’s common to hear renditions of “Set El Habayeb,” an iconic Mother’s Day song performed by Egyptian singer Hoda Sultan.
As you can see, universally, no matter where or how it is celebrated, the core of Mother’s Day remains the same: to express to your Mom love, gratitude, and appreciation. Whether it’s a formal feast, a flower offering, a handwritten note, or a sacred ritual, the day offers families a chance to pause and thank the women who shape their lives.
Though traditions differ from country to country, the spirit of honoring mothers transcends borders. This shared global sentiment is a beautiful reminder that, regardless of culture, language, or location—mothers matter everywhere.
So, this Mother’s Day, whether you’re clinking glasses at brunch, sending flowers across the ocean, or simply making a phone call to say “I love you,” remember that you’re participating in a celebration that connects hearts around the world.
