Mother's Day Traditions Around the World

Mother’s Day has become one of the most globally recognized holidays, yet it looks and feels very different depending on where in the world it is celebrated. While the essence remains the same—gratitude and love for mothers—the traditions, rituals, and even the timing of the day reflect the history, values, and social priorities of each nation. Mother’s Day has grown into a cultural dialogue, one that honors not only individual mothers but also highlights issues of women’s leadership, maternal health, and equality across continents.

For readers of HerStage, this subject resonates deeply, aligning with the platform’s focus on women, lifestyle, leadership, and self-improvement. Exploring Mother’s Day worldwide gives us the chance to reflect not only on cultural beauty but also on the shared human values that unite women everywhere.

The Historical Roots of Mother’s Day

The practice of honoring mothers is as old as civilization itself. Ancient cultures revered maternal deities: the Greeks worshipped Rhea, the mother of gods, and the Romans celebrated Cybele, known as Magna Mater. Festivals for these figures often tied motherhood to fertility, agriculture, and nature’s cycles.

In Christian Europe, the 16th century saw the emergence of Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent, a day for returning to the “mother church” and visiting one’s own mother. Children presented small gifts, establishing a precedent for modern traditions.

In the United States, Anna Jarvis spearheaded the official holiday in 1908, campaigning for a national day to honor mothers after her own mother’s passing. By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson formalized it as a holiday observed on the second Sunday in May. From there, the practice spread worldwide, adapting to local customs.

North America: Celebration and Advocacy

United States

Mother’s Day in the United States is one of the biggest annual celebrations, both personally and commercially. Families often gather for brunch, flowers, and cards, while retailers see a significant boost in sales. According to the National Retail Federation, it is among the top spending holidays of the year.

Yet, beneath the commercialization, advocacy remains strong. Organizations such as Every Mother Counts use the holiday to spotlight maternal mortality issues, reminding Americans that motherhood is not only about affection but also about health equity. Campaigns often draw attention to the fact that the U.S., despite its wealth, continues to face higher maternal mortality rates than other developed nations.

Modern celebrations also include virtual connections. In 2025, digital platforms like Zoom and AI-driven personalization tools enable families to send interactive greetings, digital art, or curated music playlists. The holiday has expanded from a family event into a cultural movement that underscores the value of mothers at both personal and societal levels.

Canada

Canada’s traditions mirror those of the U.S., but the Canadian approach often emphasizes experiences over materialism. Families take advantage of the spring season with outdoor activities such as hikes, garden brunches, or family sports days.

Charitable giving is also prominent. Environmental organizations like Tree Canada have developed campaigns where families plant a tree in their mother’s name, turning the holiday into a symbol of legacy and sustainability.

Cultural institutions, including art galleries and orchestras, host Mother’s Day programs, and Indigenous communities add depth by weaving in ancestral traditions, songs, and ceremonies. This creates a layered celebration that acknowledges not only mothers but also the intergenerational transmission of wisdom.

Europe: Between Faith, Elegance, and Equality

United Kingdom

The UK celebrates Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Historically, it was tied to Christian practices, with workers allowed to return home and attend church with their families. Children would bring wildflowers or baked goods to honor their mothers.

In the 21st century, it retains both a spiritual and a modern character. Families often exchange flowers and gifts, while many still attend church services. Businesses align with the holiday by offering spa experiences or curated gifts, yet grassroots organizations increasingly use the day to highlight work-life balance challenges faced by British women.

This blend of heritage and activism makes Mothering Sunday more than a commercial holiday—it is also a reflection of the evolving role of women in British society.

Germany

Germany’s Muttertag, celebrated on the second Sunday in May, has had a complicated history. The holiday was politicized in the 20th century but has since shifted toward family-centered traditions. Children often present flowers or handmade gifts, and families share meals at home or outdoors.

In contemporary Germany, Mother’s Day has become a forum for gender equality discussions. Advocacy organizations emphasize issues such as affordable childcare, parental leave, and women in corporate leadership. Berlin and Munich, in particular, host cultural events that combine celebration with awareness campaigns, making the day both festive and thought-provoking.

France

In France, Fête des Mères usually takes place on the last Sunday of May. French celebrations are known for elegance and creativity. Families share elaborate meals, and children often recite poems or present handcrafted gifts.

French fashion houses and cosmetic brands frequently launch Mother’s Day campaigns, blending glamour with appreciation. Yet, the holiday is also taken seriously as a matter of national culture, officially recognized by the government. Schools encourage students to prepare tributes, embedding the holiday into the educational system.

In 2025, French feminist groups highlight the holiday as an opportunity to discuss wage gaps and gendered expectations, transforming the day into both a personal and political event.

Italy and Spain

Italy’s Festa della Mamma and Spain’s Día de la Madre are celebrated with strong emphasis on family unity. In Italy, a traditional Sunday meal is central, often featuring pasta dishes and local specialties, while children perform songs or poetry recitals. In Spain, particularly in Catholic regions, the day begins with mass, followed by multi-generational family gatherings.

These Mediterranean celebrations stand out for their warmth, intimacy, and emphasis on heritage. Mothers are honored not only with flowers but also with symbolic gifts tied to family and culture.

Asia: Harmony of Tradition and Modernity

Asia’s Mother’s Day traditions reveal the depth of cultural values tied to family, respect, and societal order. In many Asian countries, motherhood is not only a private role but also a moral and cultural pillar. By 2025, the holiday has grown in importance as Asian societies adapt ancient rituals to modern lifestyles, often blending spirituality, commerce, and advocacy.

China: Blending Filial Piety with Modern Commerce

In China, Mother’s Day has become one of the most celebrated Western-inspired holidays, though it has taken on distinct Chinese characteristics. The flower most associated with the day is the carnation, symbolizing maternal love and resilience. In 2025, Chinese florists report record sales around the second Sunday in May, with carnations in shades of red and pink being especially popular.

E-commerce plays a massive role. Platforms like Alibaba and JD.com run large-scale promotional campaigns, encouraging families to buy gifts ranging from health supplements to digital gadgets. Social media apps such as WeChat and Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese version) have also made it easier to send personalized video greetings and virtual flowers.

Yet beyond commercialism, scholars and cultural leaders stress that Mother’s Day should reconnect young people with the Confucian virtue of filial piety, or xiao. Schools encourage children to prepare hand-drawn cards or simple household chores as gifts, reinforcing that gratitude must come through action rather than material purchases.

Japan: Purity, Respect, and Emotional Expression

Japan celebrates Haha no Hi on the second Sunday in May, with carnations—especially red or pink—being the central gift. The carnation, in Japanese culture, represents purity, love, and endurance, qualities long associated with motherhood.

Traditionally, Japanese children prepare home-cooked meals for their mothers or assist with household duties, symbolizing a quiet but profound gesture of respect. Unlike in some countries where loud expressions of affection dominate, Japan emphasizes subtlety and thoughtfulness.

In 2025, Japanese wellness centers and mindfulness retreats integrate Mother’s Day into programs focused on maternal health and emotional balance. These retreats often combine tea ceremonies, guided meditation, and spa therapies, creating holistic experiences that align with Japan’s respect for harmony between mind and body.

Technology has also left its mark. Younger generations increasingly use AI-driven digital platforms to create personalized poems, illustrations, or songs as gifts, blending tradition with innovation.

South Korea: Parents’ Day and the Spirit of Filial Duty

South Korea’s approach to celebrating mothers is unique because May 8th is Parents’ Day, honoring both mothers and fathers equally. This reflects the nation’s Confucian values, which emphasize deep respect for family elders.

On Parents’ Day, children present red carnations, often pinned to their parents’ clothing, and families share celebratory meals. Schools host ceremonies where students recite letters of gratitude or perform musical tributes.

In 2025, civic groups in Seoul and Busan promote awareness about eldercare and women’s dual role in balancing family and professional responsibilities. South Korea’s high-pressure corporate culture often leaves women juggling competing demands, and Parents’ Day has become a natural platform to spotlight work-life balance reforms.

Carnations remain the holiday’s most enduring symbol, but the emphasis is on reciprocity and shared responsibility. By honoring both parents equally, South Korea highlights the collective role of family in sustaining society.

Thailand: Jasmine and National Pride

Thailand’s Mother’s Day stands apart by being celebrated on August 12th, which is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, revered as the symbolic mother of the nation. The holiday not only celebrates individual mothers but also national unity.

The jasmine flower, with its pure white blossoms and sweet fragrance, is the traditional gift. Jasmine symbolizes purity, gentleness, and maternal love, and by 2025, jasmine garlands remain among the most cherished offerings.

Public ceremonies include candlelit processions, cultural performances, and national addresses. Families kneel before their mothers in traditional gestures of respect, often presenting jasmine garlands along with heartfelt words.

In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Mother’s Day also brings charity drives and campaigns promoting women’s education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. By linking motherhood to national identity, Thailand underscores the inseparability of family and country.

India: A Rising Celebration in Urban Centers

In India, Mother’s Day has gained increasing recognition, especially in urban areas. While not historically rooted in Indian tradition, the holiday has been embraced by younger generations influenced by globalization and media.

Celebrations often involve preparing traditional sweets, offering flowers, or organizing family outings. Schools encourage students to write poems or perform plays in honor of their mothers.

In 2025, Indian brands have fully integrated Mother’s Day into their marketing calendars, with fashion houses, beauty companies, and digital platforms promoting special campaigns. At the same time, nonprofit organizations use the occasion to raise awareness about maternal health, particularly in rural regions where access to medical care remains uneven.

Indian society’s long-standing reverence for mothers as goddesses finds resonance here, making the modern celebration a blend of tradition and innovation.

Southeast Asia Beyond Thailand

Other Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May.

Singapore integrates modern dining experiences with community-oriented events, often combining multicultural influences from its diverse population.

Malaysia blends Islamic traditions of family respect with modern commercial practices, with mosques sometimes hosting talks on women’s roles.

Philippines emphasizes religious devotion, with many families attending mass before honoring mothers with flowers and meals.

Across these nations, Mother’s Day serves as a reflection of cultural diversity and shared values of respect and gratitude.

Asia in 2025: Technology, Tradition, and Transformation

What makes Asia’s observance of Mother’s Day unique is the balance between ancient traditions and modern adaptation. Flowers like carnations and jasmine remain powerful symbols, but technology has redefined the way people express gratitude. AI-driven personalized gifts, e-commerce campaigns, and digital greetings coexist with rituals of respect, prayer, and family meals.

For many Asian societies, the holiday also connects with broader issues: gender equality, work-life balance, and maternal health. By 2025, countries like Japan and South Korea are using the occasion to highlight women’s leadership challenges, while China and India blend cultural symbolism with the reach of mass commerce.

For readers of HerStage, these traditions underline how women remain central to the identity of families and nations, embodying values of endurance, grace, and resilience. They also remind us that celebrating mothers is not only about appreciation but about recognizing their place in shaping the future.

Africa: Celebrating Strength, Spirituality, and Community

Mother’s Day in Africa is both a personal and communal experience. Across the continent, mothers are celebrated not just for their role within families but also as custodians of cultural traditions, educators, and symbols of resilience. In many African societies, motherhood carries spiritual weight, often associated with nurturing the community as a whole.

South Africa: Family, Faith, and Advocacy

South Africa celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, much like the United States. The holiday often begins with church services, where prayers and hymns are dedicated to mothers. Flowers, cards, and family meals follow, but the celebrations are not limited to private households.

In cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, community groups organize events to honor mothers collectively. By 2025, South African organizations increasingly link Mother’s Day to advocacy around maternal health and women’s empowerment. Groups highlight the disparities in healthcare access and address the continued challenge of gender-based violence.

Schools and cultural centers often host plays or poetry recitals, while local markets fill with flowers, handwoven crafts, and jewelry made specifically for the occasion. The holiday becomes both an intimate celebration and a platform for broader dialogue on women’s leadership in African society.

Nigeria: Spirituality and Festivity

Nigeria’s Mother’s Day is celebrated on multiple dates depending on Christian denominations, with the Catholic Church traditionally observing it during Lent. In practice, the day is marked with festive church services, where mothers wear distinctive attire—often brightly colored dresses and elaborate headwraps—to signify pride and joy.

After services, celebrations spill into the streets with music, dance, and shared meals. Community leaders and women’s associations frequently organize festivals honoring mothers, reflecting the African principle that motherhood extends beyond the nuclear family into the collective.

In 2025, Nigerian NGOs use Mother’s Day to promote maternal healthcare initiatives, addressing challenges such as high maternal mortality rates. By merging tradition with activism, Nigeria demonstrates how cultural celebration can also drive social change.

Other African Nations: Community as Family

Across countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia, Mother’s Day traditions blend Western influence with local customs.

In Kenya, flowers and gifts are common in urban centers, while rural areas focus on communal gatherings and songs.

In Ghana, extended family meals and storytelling are central, highlighting intergenerational bonds.

In Ethiopia, while not tied directly to Mother’s Day, festivals such as Antrosht celebrate mothers with feasts, emphasizing their role as givers of life and culture.

These variations show how African societies view motherhood not only as a family role but as a cornerstone of cultural identity.

South America: Passion, Family, and Cultural Resilience

South America’s celebrations of Mother’s Day reflect the region’s deep ties to family, faith, and expressive culture. Mothers are often considered the glue that holds families together, and the holiday provides an opportunity for both intimate and large-scale celebrations.

Brazil: The Grand Family Gathering

In Brazil, Dia das Mães is celebrated on the second Sunday in May and is one of the country’s largest holidays after Christmas. Brazilian families place enormous emphasis on gathering for extended lunches, with dishes such as feijoada or roasted meats prepared in honor of mothers.

Children often perform songs, dances, or short plays at school in the days leading up to the celebration. Churches also play a central role, dedicating masses to mothers and organizing charity drives.

Commercially, Mother’s Day in Brazil is massive. Retailers, from luxury brands to small artisans, participate in large-scale promotions. But what distinguishes Brazilian celebrations is their emotional intensity—affection is shown openly through hugs, music, and words, reflecting the passionate cultural spirit of the nation.

By 2025, Brazilian organizations have also linked the day to social campaigns, focusing on women’s leadership in communities and highlighting mothers as key figures in sustaining both families and social cohesion.

Argentina: A Celebration of Renewal

Argentina observes Día de la Madre in October, aligning it with spring in the Southern Hemisphere. This seasonal timing connects the holiday with renewal, fertility, and new beginnings.

Family gatherings are central, with traditional meals and the presentation of flowers being the most common customs. Schools play a major role, hosting performances where children sing, dance, or recite poetry for their mothers.

In 2025, Argentine advocacy groups also use the holiday to highlight women’s rights and economic challenges, particularly as inflation and global economic instability affect family structures. This makes the day not just about appreciation but also reflection on the broader role of women in society.

Peru, Chile, and Beyond

Other South American nations each bring unique touches to Mother’s Day:

Peru emphasizes indigenous traditions, with celebrations often combining Catholic services and ancestral rituals, blending spirituality and cultural pride.

Chile focuses on family gatherings, with schools and cultural institutions hosting exhibitions or concerts dedicated to mothers.

Colombia combines mass, flowers, and music, often extending the holiday into community festivals.

Throughout South America, the holiday is inseparable from the values of family unity, respect for women, and the joy of expressive cultural traditions.

Africa and South America in 2025: Shared Themes

Despite geographical distance, Africa and South America share several striking similarities in their observance of Mother’s Day:

Spirituality: Church services and religious rituals remain central in both regions.

Community-Centered: Celebrations extend beyond nuclear families into neighborhoods and entire communities.

Advocacy: Both continents use the holiday as a platform to discuss maternal health, gender equality, and women’s leadership.

Expression: Music, dance, poetry, and vibrant colors highlight the emotional and cultural significance of the day.

For readers of HerStage, these parallels demonstrate that motherhood is not just a personal bond but a cultural force shaping entire societies.

Oceania: Blending Modern Customs with Cultural Roots

In Oceania, Mother’s Day reflects both Western traditions and indigenous influences. Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have embraced the holiday with enthusiasm, turning it into an occasion that blends family, philanthropy, and cultural storytelling.

Australia: Chrysanthemums, Charity, and Celebration

In Australia, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May and is one of the most celebrated family holidays. The chrysanthemum is the flower of choice—not only because it blooms in May but also because Australians affectionately call mothers “mums.”

Families typically gather for meals, and children often prepare handmade gifts or school projects. Beyond personal gestures, the holiday carries a strong philanthropic side. The National Breast Cancer Foundation and other charities run fundraising campaigns during this period, linking the celebration to women’s health and research.

By 2025, Australia has also integrated wellness and lifestyle trends into the holiday. Fun runs, yoga sessions, and wellness retreats designed for mothers are increasingly common, showing how the day has expanded into a celebration of health, vitality, and empowerment.

Fashion and beauty brands also take part, highlighting stories of women’s leadership in their campaigns. These narratives reinforce the idea that honoring mothers goes beyond sentiment—it is also about recognizing their societal impact.

New Zealand: Māori Traditions and Multicultural Influence

New Zealand shares many of Australia’s customs, with flowers, cards, and family meals forming the core of celebrations. However, Māori communities bring unique cultural depth to the holiday. Mothers and grandmothers are often honored with waiata (songs), storytelling, and traditional performances, connecting the celebration to ancestral heritage.

In 2025, schools and cultural institutions actively promote inclusivity by encouraging students to acknowledge both biological mothers and maternal figures within extended families and communities. This reflects the Māori understanding of kinship, where caregiving is often shared beyond immediate parents.

Mother’s Day in New Zealand therefore becomes both a personal and a communal event, illustrating how indigenous traditions enrich global observances.

The Future of Mother’s Day Worldwide

By 2025, Mother’s Day is no longer simply a holiday about flowers and gifts. It has transformed into a global dialogue on the role of women, reflecting broader cultural, social, and economic changes. Several key trends define its future:

1. Technology and Personalization

Advances in digital platforms and AI have revolutionized how people celebrate. From AI-generated poems to virtual reality family gatherings, technology allows families separated by geography to remain connected. In countries with large diasporas—such as India, the Philippines, and Nigeria—this has become especially meaningful.

E-commerce platforms now offer eco-friendly gifting options, encouraging consumers to celebrate in ways that align with sustainability values. The rise of digital greeting apps also helps reduce waste, blending tradition with environmental consciousness.

2. Sustainability and Conscious Gifting

Globally, there is a growing push toward sustainable celebrations. Instead of mass-produced gifts, families are turning to eco-conscious alternatives such as planting trees, supporting women-owned businesses, or contributing to maternal health charities.

In countries like Canada and Germany, eco-friendly campaigns have become standard, while in Asia, platforms like Alibaba now promote “green gifting” options. This evolution aligns Mother’s Day with broader sustainability movements and reflects a deeper understanding of legacy.

3. Advocacy and Women’s Leadership

Mother’s Day is increasingly used as a platform to discuss pressing issues affecting women. In the United States, advocacy centers on maternal health equity; in South Africa and Nigeria, the holiday is tied to campaigns against gender-based violence; in Japan and South Korea, it intersects with conversations about work-life balance.

By highlighting these challenges, Mother’s Day becomes more than an annual celebration. It transforms into a global reminder of the need for systemic support for women in leadership, business, and family life.

4. Cultural Preservation

While globalization has introduced common symbols—flowers, cards, and gifts—local traditions remain strong. Jasmine in Thailand, carnations in Japan, chrysanthemums in Australia, and colorful church festivals in Africa all show that Mother’s Day adapts to culture rather than erases it.

The persistence of these unique customs demonstrates how societies honor their heritage while embracing modern forms of celebration. This duality ensures that the holiday remains meaningful across generations.

A Global Reflection for HerStage Readers

For readers of HerStage, Mother’s Day offers more than a celebration—it is a reflection of the themes central to modern womanhood. The holiday intersects with leadership, self-improvement, health, lifestyle, and world affairs.

It reminds us that mothers are not only caregivers but also leaders, advocates, and change-makers. By honoring mothers, societies affirm values of compassion, resilience, and equality that shape humanity’s collective progress.

Conclusion: A Universal Celebration with Local Roots

Mother’s Day traditions around the world reveal both striking diversity and profound unity. From South America’s passionate songs to Africa’s vibrant community festivals, from Asia’s jasmine garlands to Oceania’s chrysanthemums, each custom adds richness to the global narrative.

Yet, beneath these variations lies a shared truth: motherhood represents the very foundation of society. In 2025, Mother’s Day is as much about recognizing this universal truth as it is about personal gratitude.

By linking love and tradition with advocacy and leadership, the holiday becomes a living reminder of how women continue to shape families, communities, and nations. And as societies evolve, so too will Mother’s Day—remaining timeless in its meaning yet adaptive in its expression.