Mother’s Day is a time to honor and show appreciation to our mothers for the love, sacrifices and guidance they’ve given throughout the years. Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world, and while the essence and the intent remains the same, the ways that families observe vary across cultures and countries around the world.
In the United States, Sunday brunch, flower deliveries, and heartfelt messages are shared with mom. Let’s take a journey around the globe to discover how Mother’s Day is celebrated around the globe.
In the Philippines, Mother’s Day is a festive event and time for families to come together. Families gathering for a big meal and organizing little surprises for their mother. Children will often make handmade cards or gifts for their mother’s, and some even serenade mom with songs expressing their love and gratitude.
In Japan, Mother’s Day, or Haha no Hi, falls on the second Sunday of May. Similar to other nations, Mother’s Day is a day to express appreciation through thoughtful gestures and gifts. The act of giving flowers is a very poplar tradition, accompanied with a beautifully crafted card. Carnations hold special significance in Japanese culture, especially in red or pink, symbolizing the purity, sweetness, and the endurance of a mother’s love.
Vietnam celebrates Mother’s Day on March 8th, the same day as the International Women’s Day. In Vietnam, this is a time to honor not only mothers but also women’s contributions to society. Children and families pamper mothers with gifts, flowers, and acts of kindness, expressing deep gratitude and respect.
In France, Mother’s Day, known as “Fête des Mères,” is celebrated on the last Sunday of May or the first Sunday of June. Fête des Mères is a day dedicated to honoring mothers with kind gestures, such as breakfast in bed, family gatherings, and small gifts to show of appreciation. French mothers often luxuriate with delicious meals and quality time with their family.
In South Korea, Mother’s Day, or 어버이 날 (Eobeoinal), is celebrated on May 8th. While similar to other countries in terms of expressing love and appreciation, South Korean families may also pay respects to their ancestors, including mothers and grandmothers, by visiting ancestral gravesites. The importance of family and tradition is signified with a meal where Korean dishes are prepared as part of the celebration.
In Mexico Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th, regardless of the day of the week. This date holds historical significance, in 1922 an editorial was written by journalist and poet Rafael Alducín, about the importance of Mexican mothers as the cornerstone of the family. Mexican families start to celebrate early in the morning with a serenade, which may be followed by mariachi bands, dancin, and feasts throughout the day. Flowers, particularly roses, are a popular gift, symbolizing love, beauty, and gratitude.
Most of all, Mother’s Day is a reminder of the important role mothers play in shaping all of our lives. It’s a time to express love and create lasting memories with the remarkable women who inspire us to be better. So, whether it’s through a simple card, a single rose, or an elaborate celebration with a mariachi band, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show our mothers how much they mean to us.
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