Mother’s Day traditions might feel universal (flowers, cards, and the classic breakfast in bed), but how and when we celebrate mums actually changes depending on where you are in the world. From poetic traditions to super specific cake expectations, there are a variety of unique ways people honour all the wonderful mums out there.
It’s with this in mind that we’ve decided to pull together a guide on how and when Mother’s Day is celebrated around the globe! So, if you’ve ever wondered how Mother’s Day in France, Thailand, or the US compares to the UK, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a quick whistlestop tour of some traditions and quirks that make Mother’s Day so special.
Pssst… if you’re yet to pick up a card for your lovely mum, have a quick browse of our range. With Mother’s Day cards for every type of mum out there, you’re bound to find something she’ll treasure:
Take a peek at our guide on what to write in a Mother’s Day card too if you’re stuck for words. Or these mum quotes are equally ideal to pop inside!
Mother’s Day in the UK & Ireland
In the UK and Ireland, Mother’s Day falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, meaning it hops around the calendar each year (usually landing somewhere in March). Originally known as Mothering Sunday, the tradition dates back to the 16th century, when people would return to their ‘mother church’ (where they were baptised) for a special service. Many churches still mark the occasion today by handing out flowers to visiting mums!
These days, Mother’s Day usually involves visiting your mum with a card, a bunch of bright daffodils, and a promise to do the washing up. Here are a few more traditions you might see:
- Simnel cake: A fruity classic topped with marzipan
- Breakfast in bed: Often made by little helpers
- Family gatherings: Think big roast dinners and fancy brunches
Mother’s Day across the rest of Europe
While many European countries share similar traditions (cards, cakes, and making mum feel loved), there are plenty of quirks that make each celebration a little different.
Mother’s Day in Germany
In Germany, Mother’s Day (Muttertag) is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Giving flowers is a super popular tradition, as well as cards and small, thoughtful gifts. Lots of families also gather in the afternoon for coffee and cake (Kaffee und Kuchen), with the day being more about spending quality time together than grand gestures.
Mother’s Day in France
Mother’s Day in France (La Fête des Mères) usually takes place on the last Sunday of May, unless it clashes with Pentecost, in which case it’s pushed to early June. A common greeting is “Bonne Fête maman”, which translates to Happy Mother’s Day!
Some of the most popular French Mother’s Day traditions include:
- Homemade gifts
- Poems written by children
- Flowers (roses are especially popular)
- Family lunches and dinners
Mother’s Day in Spain
In Spain, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May. It’s a joyful, family-led occasion with strong Catholic roots. The day often revolves around a big family meal, either prepared at home together or enjoyed at mum’s favourite restaurant.
It’s heartfelt, social, and all about… you guessed it, making your mum feel special. Because of the close-knit nature of many Spanish families, grandmothers are a big part of the celebrations too in Spain!
Mother’s Day in Poland
In Poland, Mother’s Day is known as Dzień Matki, and it’s celebrated on 26th May. The country has similar gift-giving traditions, with flowers and handmade cards being hugely popular. Schools often host special assemblies dedicated to mums too, including performances to mark the occasion.
In terms of the history of Mother’s Day in Poland, things date back to the early 1900s, with the first formal celebration being held in Kraków in 1923.
Mother’s Day fun across the rest of the world
Across the rest of the globe, Mother’s Day is celebrated in all sorts of wonderful ways. From flowers to feasts and even a few fireworks, let’s dive into it!
Mother’s Day in the US
Mother’s Day in the US dates all the way back to 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a celebration to honour her late mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, a Civil War-era activist. It became a national holiday in 1914, after President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday in May as a time to recognise all mothers.
Nowadays, Mother’s Day in the US is celebrated much like it is elsewhere, with the goal of showering your mum with as much love and appreciation as possible. Gifts are given, phone calls are made, and mums might be treated with breakfast in bed and a day off chores.
Celebrating mums in China
Mother’s Day in China is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, with red and pink carnations taking centre stage as a symbol of love and gratitude. Families often mark the occasion by spending time together and exchanging cards, while schools play their part in making the festivities special too. Kindergarten children typically perform songs and make handmade gifts to take home for their mums (cue proud smiles all round).
Peruvian Mother’s Day
Peruvians also celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, and it’s often treated as a big event. Many families begin celebrating up to a week in advance, with gifts, flowers, and family feasts. Peru has some more unique traditions too, including:
- Cemetery celebrations: People gather to decorate the graves of deceased mothers with flowers and balloons.
- Public events: Some cities hold concerts and public performances in town squares to honour mothers.
Thailand’s double celebration
People in Thailand celebrate Mother’s Day on 12th August, the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. This gives the occasion a dual purpose: to honour the nation’s symbolic mother as well as all the mothers out there. Celebrations include:
- Public firework displays
- Candle-lighting ceremonies
- Gifting white jasmine flowers (which represent purity and maternal love)
Egyptian Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day in Egypt is celebrated on 21st March, marking the first day of spring! Mums are spoiled with thoughtful tokens like fresh spring flowers, home-cooked meals, and heartfelt cards. The celebrations extend beyond celebrating your own mum, with grandmas, aunties, and in-laws all included in the day!
Mother’s Day in Australia
Janet Heyden brought Mother’s Day to Australia in the early 1920s, in an aim to support bereaved mothers after WWI. Today, it’s usually marked on the second Sunday in May, with families coming together for relaxed lunches, park picnics and beach days.
Fun fact: Chrysanthemums bloom in Australia’s autumn, meaning they’re the flower of choice given to mums all over the country!
Celebrate your mum this Mother’s Day
While Mother’s Day dates and traditions vary, one thing stays the same around the world: mums are appreciated, loved, and seriously spoiled (just as they should be).
If you’re wondering how to spoil your own mum, have a nosy at our guide on some of the best Mother’s Day gifts. From slippers to keyrings and personalised books, it’s packed full of inspiration. And if you really want to win the award for the world’s best child, don’t forget we’ve got our own range of super thoughtful gifts you can explore.
Once you’ve got the pressie ticked off your list, it’s time to get stuck into making some plans for the day itself. These alternative Mother’s Day ideas are exactly what you need to make it one to remember.
And finally, if you’re navigating tougher times this year, we hope our guide on spending your first Mother’s Day without your mum might offer some gentle support.
