Mother’s Day is just a month away, and how we celebrate mums varies widely depending on who we are and from which culture we belong to. Each culture has its beautiful way of honoring the woman who survived your childhood tantrums and teenage dramas.
Some countries throw massive festivals for moms, while others like to keep it intimate. So without further ado, let’s take a quick trip around the globe and see how different cultures say thanks, mother, when the month of May rolls around.
The United States
This year, Mother’s Day USA lands on the second Sunday in May, when American families go to churches and hand out red carnations to their moms. It all started in 1908 when Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her deceased mom. However, the current President at the time of 1914 made this Day official.
Today, this day is celebrated by taking moms out for brunches and showering them with cards, spa days, jewelry, elegant bouquets, and other thoughtful gifts.
Canada
The northern neighbor keeps it chill, pretty much similar to the US. There’s no public holiday on that day, but families try to make it special with cards, gifts, and family dinners. Franco-Canadians usually celebrate late May or early June according to their liturgical calendar, but mostly it is celebrated on May 10th.
Canadians celebrate Mother’s Day in a less flashy way because it is all about appreciation. They keep it intimate and heartfelt by taking moms out for their favorite coffee or dessert.
Australia
May 10th is also the same for Aussies. There is also no public holiday, but the vibes are magical. Families gather for picnics, barbecues, or a nice lunch. Plus, mothers are showered with beautiful bouquets, chocolates, massage and spa vouchers, or experience days like jewelry making class, sip-and-paint, baking class, etc.
Moreover, it is the most meaningful day for Australians, where kids help with chores and make breakfast with their fathers to surprise their moms with breakfast in bed.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a bit different from others. It’s Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday UK, which falls on the fourth Sunday in March, ie, three weeks before Easter. Usually, in the olden days, servants used to get the day off to visit their mother church and family.
However, nowadays, people celebrate it by buying violet bouquets, handmade or heartfelt cards, chocolate boxes, with a big Sunday roast or afternoon tea. More flowers are sold on this day, and breakfast in bed and family time rule.
Germany
This country celebrates Muttertag or Mother’s Day on the same day as others, i.e., May 10th. However, if it clashes with Pentecost (a Christian celebration that happens fifty days after Easter), it shifts earlier.
Traditions on this day include giving a flower bouquet, breakfast in bed, and a special meal with white asparagus with Hollandaise, ham, and potatoes. Families also bake strawberry cakes and go for a walk. This day is all about quiet appreciation and handing over beautiful bouquets.
Italy
Italy does Festa della Mamma on May 10th, which is the second Sunday in May. It kicked off in 1957, and since then, the day has become official for mothers. Italian moms are the family CEO all year round, so this day is extra special for them.
Kids bring roses or other flowers, write poems, and give handmade gifts. Moms get a day off, and families head out for lunch or dinner. The day is warm, loud, and emotional because Italians do everything with passion.
Pakistan
Pakistan also celebrates International Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. This day is embraced with warmth, kids make cards, buy beautiful flowers, and families organize dinner or outings. Moreover, several restaurants provide Mother’s Day lunch offers as a chance to pamper all the mothers.
Pakistani culture and the religion of Islam prioritize mothers and emphasize respecting parents. So this day amplifies the existing love.
India
India celebrates Mother’s Day like the others, in May. Schools put on plays, kids cook for their moms, and families give cards, flowers, and gifts. Delhi usually goes big on offers and discounts.
Moreover, India has ancient roots honoring Motherhood. They have a Hindu festival that celebrates goddesses like Durga during festivals. The May version is like a Western add-on that blends family values.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE and much of the Arab world celebrate Mother’s Day in March. The day March 21st is big on flowers, family gatherings, sweets, and official wishes. Families shower moms with gifts and appreciation.
Malls promote Mother’s Day events this month and offer plenty of deals and offers. Therefore, you can pamper your mothers with their favorite products, brands, or delectable desserts. Gifts and flowers remain central as this day is about honoring mom’s role in family and society.
Japan
Japan, like the other countries, also celebrates Haha no Hi or Mother’s Day in May. The day is celebrated with elegance, and red carnations are the go-to gifts for mothers. Schools motivate kids to make handmade presents or draw portraits. Families enjoy a special meal at home or at a fancy restaurant.
Haha no Hi started in the 1900s, and the day was cemented in the 1950s. Since then, it has been their major celebratory day, which they celebrate by helping mom with chores, spending quality time, and showing sincere thanks.
Brazil
Dia das Mães, or Mother’s Day Brasil , is celebrated on May 10th with massive festivities. Families dive into barbecues, picnics, or huge lunches. It is a day filled with laughter, food, gifts, and flowers (i.e., hibiscus, orchids, and roses).
The day is loud, loving, and family-centric. Brazilian culture puts moms at the heart of everything, and kids and extended families make it a full-day affair.
Mexico
Día de las Madres is celebrated annually on May 10th. It started in 1922, and from then on, this day became full of festivities. Families gather for food, flowers, and gifts.
Mothers usually get a day off on this day, and everybody gets to enjoy amazing food. This day is emotional, vibrant, and deeply respectful.
Ending Note
No matter where you are in the country or whether you are celebrating in March or May, Mother’s Day is all about saying thanks to that one person who puts up with us. Some cultures go big, while others keep it quiet, sincere, and intimate.
So whichever culture you belong to, hug your mom and plan for a gift or a gorgeous bouquet this May!