What is Mother’s Day? Dates, History, Significance, Celebrations and Global Traditions

Top 15+ Best Gifts for Mother's Day Good deeds and words, but a small gift for a mother in everyday life is also a way to thank your mother. Don't wait until ...

Mother's Day: Date, History and Celebration Mother’s Day is a celebration day to honor the mother of the family, as well as the mother's love, her bond and her influence in ...

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the origin of Mother’s Day, when it’s celebrated across the globe, its historical roots, cultural significance, modern-day traditions, and some fascinating facts that reveal just how deeply this holiday resonates around the world.

Happy Mother’s Day

When is Mother’s Day Celebrated?

One of the most frequently asked questions is: “What day is Mother’s Day?” The answer depends on where you are.

United States and Most Countries

In the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, and over 90 other countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In 2025, it falls on May 11.

Global Mother’s Day Calendar (Selected Countries)

Many other countries follow local calendars or national holidays to honor mothers.

The History and Origins of Mother’s Day

Ancient Roots

• Ancient Greece and Rome: Festivals like Rhea Day and Hilaria celebrated mother goddesses with offerings, feasting, and parades.

• Early Christianity: “Mothering Sunday” in the UK began as a religious observance, allowing people to return to their “mother church.” Over time, it evolved into a day to honor mothers personally.

The Modern Movement

• United States: The modern version of Mother’s Day was spearheaded by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century to honor her late mother, a nurse and activist.

• In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as the official U.S. Mother’s Day.

Irony and Backlash

• Anna Jarvis later denounced the commercialization of the holiday, calling it a “Hallmark holiday” and campaigning to restore its original sentiment.

Why is Mother’s Day Important?

Mother’s Day carries deep emotional, cultural, and even political weight. Here’s why it matters:

1. Recognition of Unseen Labor

Mothers — biological, adoptive, or chosen — often perform invisible emotional and physical labor that sustains families and communities.

2. Celebrating Love and Resilience

It’s a day to acknowledge sacrifice, strength, and unconditional love, often underappreciated in everyday life.

3. Breaking Cultural Barriers

Mother’s Day is one of the few holidays that is truly global, transcending language, religion, and nationality.

Happy Mother’s Day!

How is Mother’s Day Celebrated Around the World?

United States & Canada

• Breakfast in bed, flowers (especially carnations), heartfelt cards, spa days, or family brunches

• School events and handmade gifts from kids

• Phone calls and video chats — the highest volume of phone traffic of any day annually

United Kingdom

• “Mothering Sunday” involves giving flowers, enjoying Sunday roast dinners, and attending church

• Simnel cake (a traditional fruitcake) is sometimes served

Mexico

• Celebrated with serenades like “Las Mañanitas” and mariachi music

• Children often give handmade gifts and attend special school performances

Thailand

• Celebrated on August 12 in honor of Queen Sirikit, regarded as the national mother

• White jasmine flowers are gifted as a symbol of purity and maternal love

Ethiopia

• Known as Antrosht, this three-day festival includes singing, dancing, and communal meals celebrating motherhood and family

Arab Countries

• Celebrated on March 21, marking both motherhood and the arrival of spring

• Schools, media, and families honor mothers with songs, poems, and gifts

Symbols and Traditions

• Carnations: The official flower of Mother’s Day. Red carnations honor living mothers, while white ones remember those who have passed.

• Handwritten Notes: A heartfelt letter is still considered one of the most meaningful gifts.

• Gifts of Time: Many mothers say what they want most is quality time with their children.

Mother’s Day by the Numbers

• $31.7 billion: Estimated Mother’s Day spending in the U.S. in 2024 (National Retail Federation)

• 84% of U.S. adults celebrate the holiday

• 20+ million flowers are sold globally for Mother’s Day each year

• 122 million phone calls made on Mother’s Day — the busiest day for calls worldwide

Did You Know?

• In Yugoslavia, children would tie up their mother on Mother’s Day until she gave them treats — a playful tradition now faded.

• South Korea doesn’t celebrate Mother’s Day but has a Parent’s Day (May 8), honoring both parents together.

• In Serbia, Mother’s Day is part of a 3-day family celebration (Children’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day) where each gets “tied up” by the others until they offer gifts or treats.

Final Thoughts

Mother’s Day isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a day filled with deep emotion, personal reflection, and collective appreciation. Whether it’s your mom, grandmother, stepmom, aunt, or any woman who has nurtured and guided you — take the time to say: “Thank you. You matter.”

From handmade gifts to quiet moments, the best Mother’s Day celebrations are often the most sincere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mother’s Day

1. When is Mother’s Day in 2025?

In most countries, including the United States, Mother’s Day in 2025 falls on Sunday, May 11. The date varies in other nations, such as March in the UK and August in Thailand.

2. Is Mother’s Day celebrated on the same day worldwide?

No. While many countries observe it on the second Sunday in May, others have different dates based on local traditions. For example, the UK celebrates “Mothering Sunday” in March, and Mexico celebrates on May 10.

3. Who started Mother’s Day?

Modern Mother’s Day was founded by Anna Jarvis in the U.S. in the early 1900s to honor her mother’s legacy. It became a national holiday in 1914.

4. What are the most popular Mother’s Day gifts?

Common gifts include flowers (especially carnations), greeting cards, jewelry, spa vouchers, and homemade crafts. Many people also give experiences like brunch or a day off from household duties.

5. Why is the carnation the flower of Mother’s Day?

Anna Jarvis chose the carnation because it was her mother’s favorite flower. Red carnations honor living mothers, while white ones commemorate mothers who have passed away.

6. Is Mother’s Day a religious holiday?

While it has religious roots in some traditions (such as Mothering Sunday in the UK), modern Mother’s Day is largely secular and cultural.

7. How is Mother’s Day different from International Women’s Day?

Mother’s Day specifically celebrates mothers and maternal figures, while International Women’s Day (March 8) honors the achievements and rights of all women globally.

8. What are unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day?

Ideas include writing a heartfelt letter, cooking her favorite meal, creating a photo album, or planning a digital family gathering if you’re far away.

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